MLB likely to 86 new 89-game offer

The players continue to push for a return to the field, but only if they’re paid according to the contracts they signed.

According to multiple reports, the MLB Players Association responded to the league’s latest season relaunch proposal, asking for an 89-game season with a full prorated payout of player contracts. The union’s counter compromises on games played — its previous offer during the heated negotiations included a 114-game season — but refuses to accept the MLB’s insistence on deeper cuts to player pay to force a return during a global health crisis.

MLBPA’s proposal would open the season on July 10, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, and includes expanded playoffs for 2020 and 2021, plus a playoff bonus pool determined by gate revenue should local governments reduce social distancing rules enough to bring fans back into the stadium. But, if the postseason has no fans (or severely limited access) due to the coronavirus, and increases the revenue losses anticipated this year, the playoff pool would be a flat $50 million.

The union also proposed a $5 million joint fund with MLB to benefit minor leaguers — who were paid sub-poverty wages by their clubs even before hundreds of farmhands were hemorrhaged to cut costs — and social justice causes.

MLB had once hoped to open the season on the Fourth of July in its efforts to capitalize on an American audience eager for live sports, but both sides have given up on that option.

Early reports indicate that MLB intends to reject the union’s counter and concede nothing on payouts.