Since Dec. 2, the lockout began, Commissioner Rob Manfred has met twice with the union — more than he did before.
Manfred stated, “We’re working on it,” after his second session with the union at 6 p.m.
After meeting six times in the first two months of the lockout on core economics, the sides began to negotiate for the eighth consecutive day. Both sides have discussed their positions in detail. They both agreed to funnel more money towards young players, but they are still very different on economic terms.
Manfred stated that a deal must be reached by Monday in order to keep spring training going for four weeks before the 162-game schedule. The deadline was not set by MLB, so bargaining sessions could continue into the early hours of the morning if both parties feel they can reach a compromise.
The union has yet to say whether it will agree with the deadline. Baseball has also shortened spring training by as much as three weeks in past years.
The 89th day of baseball’s second-longest stoppage saw emotions escalate as both sides tried to push for their bottom lines. Bryce Harper , Philadelphia’s star, posted an Instagram photo that was altered to show him wearing a Japanese uniform. It included the words “Yomiuri Giants you are up?” You have some time.
Tweet Jameson Taillon, Yankees pitcher, attended negotiations last week. They don’t want the opportunity to play. It is sad that these men are the ones who will drive the direction and future of this amazing sport.
Three hours earlier than normal, the sides arrived at Roger Dean Stadium at 10 a.m.
Only two players were present: Max Scherzer, Mets pitcher, and Andrew Miler (free agent reliever), The talks were also attended by Dan Halem (Deputy Commissioner), Morgan Sword, MLB Executive Vice President Morgan Sword, and Dick Monfort (CEO Colorado Rockies).
According to a study done by The Associated Press on players, $20.5 million would be lost in salary each day that the season is canceled. The 30 teams would also lose large amounts that are more difficult to quantify.
Although spring training games were supposed to begin Saturday, baseball’s ninth and most recent work stoppage — the first since 1995 — has already caused exhibitions to be canceled through March 7.
The most contentious proposals are the luxury tax rates and thresholds, the size of a bonus pool for pre-arbitration player players, minimum salaries, eligibility for salary arbitration and the union’s desire change the club revenue-sharing formula.
MLB also tied the removal of direct free agent compensation to players agreeing higher luxury tax rates. It still wants to expand playoffs to 14 teams, rather than 12. MLB has also kept the proposal for an international amateur draft.
MLB has not been this close to losing regular season games to labor disputes since August 30, 2002. Although the union was scheduled to strike at 3 :20 p.m. on Monday, approximately 25 hours of meetings and caucuses led to an agreement at 11 :45 a.m.
Although bargaining hasn’t been as frequent this year, it has picked up momentum since talks moved from New York to Florida last Wednesday.
MLB proposes to increase the luxury tax threshold from $210m last season to $214m this year and to $220m by 2026. The union also wants higher tax rates for teams, which would act as a salary cap.
Players requested a $245 million threshold for this season, which will rise to $273 million in the final season.
The union plans to expand arbitration to include top 35% of the service time of players who have at least two seasons of major-league service, and less than three years. This is in addition to the 22% cutoff that has been in place since 2013.
The union suggested that the pre-arbitration pool be $115 million divided among 150 players. Management wants $20 million split between 30.
