MLB-MLBPA Negotiations still at Loggerheads?

It’s about yesterday that it looked like the two parties MLB-MLBPA are heading towards a mutual agreement. That was a positive sign for the MLB fans — it looked as if a compromise would soon happen but that happiness was momentary.

A new revised proposal was sent to the players from the owners of the MLB for approval. There were some major changes and it differed from what was the initial agreement on economic plans and financial distribution between the MLB players and MLBPA.

Here’s a snippet of the new proposal as sent to the players:

The proposal looks like replacing the 50-50 revenue sharing plan with a “sliding scale of compensation.” This new plan would cut down the players’ salaries to a significant number.

The new scheme is so designed that it is going to particularly affect those players who fall in the highest salary slabs. Some of these players may end up getting only 40% of the original amount they get in a season’s play.

The proposal clarifies that a player who gets about $20 million would end up getting $5.15 million.

A Player who takes home $30 will be taking this season $6.95 million.

Those players who fall under the minimum salary slab may get a complete prorated salary or could be a good part of it. But the proposal states — most players will have to suffer salary cuts.

However, there is no mention of the revenue sharing as was being discussed previously.

With the news of this proposal coming up, players looked upset & it took the wind out of their sails. There was a strong reaction from the players union & it looked all disappointing. Even the 50-50 revenue split was not liked by the players, but with this new proposal coming up, the players look way more furious.

Here’s what some players from the team have to say,

“This season is not looking promising. Keeping the mind and body ready regardless. Time to dive into some life-after-baseball projects. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Brighter times remain ahead", said Marcus Stroman.

“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys”, said Brewers pitcher Brett Anderson.

With whatever he said, Anderson was hinting at one school of thought — this proposal can end up creating a crack in the union. The highest earners of the league could eventually start hating the least earning player. Ultimately this negotiation proposal from MLB would make players look bad in the eyes of their fans. And, not to mention that’s going to be good news for the owners.

What did Players want?

Players want the implementation of the terms on which both sides agreed in March with the prorated salaries for a shortened season. It came recently from the players that they are willing to defer some part of those payments to the next season to make sure that any financial strain on their teams could be avoided. But, it does not look like there is going to be any agreement from players on this new sliding pay scale proposal.

Irrespective of whatever is happening around, the MLB definitely looks like squandering the opportunity to be the first league to be back on the field after COVID-19. They must seize this opportunity and make the headline. This elongated negotiation is definitely not good for baseball and its fans.