For the second straight day, MLB and MLBPA held lengthy, in-person negotiation meetings in Jupiter, Florida.
But like their first session, the two sides made minimal progress toward striking a deal. MLB’s deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement is Feb. 28, and meetings will continue through the week.
Tuesday, it was the MLBPA’s turn to counter MLB’s most recent offer — which included minor movement on the pre-arbitration bonus pool and a draft lottery increase from three to four teams.
MLBPA inched closer to a draft lottery compromise by coming down to seven teams from their previously proposed eight, according to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich. It seems like there’s plenty of room for the two sides to agree on that specific issue, settling on either five or six teams eligible for the draft lottery.
Elsewhere, though, MLBPA’s proposal likely didn’t do much to progress toward a deal.
MLBPA proposal on minimum salary actually increased, with the same launching point of $775,000 but then annual increases of $30,000 (the union previously offered increments of $25,000). It’s unlikely the owners are thrilled with that ask.
Also, MLBPA lowered its proposal for second-year players eligible for the pre-arbitration bonus pool from 80% to 75%. On Monday, MLB proposed a $20 million bonus pool for 30 players. The union’s previous proposal before Tuesday was $115 for 150 players, leaving still a wide gap.
Most notably, the competitive balance tax went unaddressed for the second consecutive day, multiple reporters noted. The CBT, which players argue teams have used as a de facto salary cap, is among the most important issues for both sides, so a lack of activity on that front bodes poorly for a quick resolution.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the league asked again for a federal mediator; MLBPA declined. Players have maintained they’re ready to strike a deal in good faith and that a federal mediator would only delay things further. Players have a stronger leg to stand on here, given MLB locked the players out and proceeded to wait over 40 days to make an offer.
Meetings will continue Wednesday and throughout the week.
