In an ideal world, MLB preseason games would begin next Monday. Training camps would be well and truly underway and the action would be at its height in the baseball world.
However, this ideal world is unfortunately ruined by the reality of the current lockout in MLB.
In fact, not only will camps and preseason games not be in motion next Monday, but the opening day is in serious danger. It is for this reason that we are witnessing a blitz of negotiations this week between the MLB and the Players Association.
And today, in a three-hour negotiation session, the players made a new offer in which they made some concessions on the plans for the draft lottery and the increase in players. Of type Great 2 (players who accumulate enough service time to reach salary arbitration in two years rather than three years).
It did, however, come with a (slight) increase in the minimum wage, except for the first year.
Another day of small moves on the labor front. MLBPA dropped its ask from 80% of 2+ players receiving salary arbitration to 75%. Additionally, the union bumped the major league minimums slightly while sticking with $775K in the first year and went from 8 picks in lottery to 7.
—Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 22, 2022
Obviously, I don’t think I need to tell you that there was no agreement today. However, we feel that the players are ready to make some concessions, and it will be the turn of the league to respond with an offer tomorrow.
Because yes, negotiations will resume tomorrow. And I even dare to reveal the result to you: there will be no agreement.
MLBPA and MLB are to meet again tomorrow.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 22, 2022
Because yes, we are starting to tear down some aspects of the next collective agreement, but these are mostly minor aspects. The problem is certainly not the draft lottery, but aspects such as the luxury tax.
The subject was not discussed today, by the way. I’m not sure he really will be by the end of the week, honestly.
Included in MLBPA’s offer today:
• Instead of 80 percent of players w/2-3 years of service being eligible for arbitration, now 75 percent.
• Dropped from 8 picks in the amateur draft lottery 7.
• Some increases in minimum salary.
There was no new proposal on CBT.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 22, 2022
Until this aspect is addressed, we cannot hope to reach an agreement. At present, it is THE main aspect that divides the two parties. If this were to be settled, however, an agreement would be almost imminent.
In short, we will see if the MLB will dare to speak out on the luxury tax and the question of the salary cap tomorrow. The owners want the establishment of the latter, but the players are totally closed to the idea. It will have to move eventually, however.
