Spring Training In Jeopardy, MLB & MLBPA Still Far Apart
© Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsMajor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association met for 90 minutes earlier today to continue discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement.
This is the third meeting between the two sides in 2022, and discussions on a new CBA are moving just about as slowly as waiting for a baby to take its first steps.
With no progress on a deal today, the reaction from writers around the league is that spring training will be delayed. Pitchers and catchers are set to report during the week of Feb. 14.
What is more alarming is the possible delay of regular season games that begin March 31.
Here’s the thing: An agreement can still be reached before any of this happens, however, the MLB and MLBPA are distant on multiple fronts.
Let’s take a look at what was debated during the meeting.
The players’ union has a firm stance on the bonus pool for non-eligible arbitration players. In a previous meeting, the union proposed $105 million and has since lowered their ask to $100 million.
While the union is showing a willingness to negotiate the bonus pool, the MLB has done the opposite.
Their initial offer stood at $10 million and remained so when the meeting concluded.
There has been no change on both sides since the last meeting in regards to the minimum salary and luxury tax threshold.
MLB wants $615,000 for the minimum salary, MLBPA wants $775,000.
As for the luxury tax threshold, the difference is $245 million versus $214 million.
Rewarding teams that don’t manipulate service-time with a draft pick and granting players who place top 20 by WAR was incorporated by the union.
It’s a long road ahead, but more meetings mean more potential progress - even if they are baby steps.
The MLB and MLBPA will meet again on Wednesday to negotiate non-core economic issues.
