MLB might be nearing a deal

There is a sudden sense of urgency, and cautious optimism that Major League Baseball and the union are progressing toward a deal, with the two sides communicating Sunday and exchanging ideas.

The players postponed their vote Sunday whether to accept or reject MLB's plan for a 60-game season with full prorated play simply because there may be a modified proposal submitted Monday.

If the two sides can't reach a deal in the next few days, commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to simply mandate a season of 54-60 games.

“We're at the same place, we want to play,” Manfred said Thursday. “We're doing everything necessary to find a way to play, hopefully by agreement. ...

“This needs to be over.” MLB still is offering 60 games, guaranteeing the players about $1.5 billion, but the recent surge of COVID- 19 positive tests now is expected to delay the season. The resumption of spring training now likely will be delayed to about June 29, with the season starting July 26.

The 12 positive tests in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees' camps in the Tampa area forced MLB to shut down all of the springtraining facilities. Every team, with the possible exception of the Toronto Blue Jays, will now have spring training at t heir own home ballparks, according to a high-ranking

official.

The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because not every team has publicly announced its decision.

While the two sides were a bout $ 3 00 mil - lion apart in their last exchange of proposals, MLB informed the union that it would not budge from a 60-game season, while the union is seeking a 70-game season.

Yet, several agents and players conveyed to USA TODAY Sports that they no longer believe it may be feasible to play 70

games with many states experiencing a recent surge in positive COVID19 tests.

MLB, recognizing that possibility the season can' t be completed, offered to cancel their pl ans f or an expanded postseason and universal DH in 2021, if the season is shorter than 60 games, two persons with direct knowledge confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The proposal tweak was delivered from Manfred to union chief Tony Clark, ESPN reported.

MLB and the union still are finalizing health and safety protocols, but have agreed on a radical change to extra-inning games, and may even permit games to end in a tie.

Regular season games

that enter extra innings will now start with a runner on base beginning in the 10th inning. In the postseason, games will revert to traditional rules.

It's possible the extrainning rule will become permanent, but the union agreed to change the rule for only 2020.

The union also wants to discuss with MLB the possibility of tie games in lengthy extra-inning games, as well as permitting free substitution, such as allowing players to re-enter the game, among other possibilities.

ML Band the union already agreed to implement a universal DH in 2020 and 2021, as well as expanding the postseason to as many as 16 teams.

Also, in their latest

exchange, the union is asking that players who co habit ate with “high-risk” individuals, including a spouse who's pregnant, would also have the right to opt out of the 2020 season, and still receive their prorated salary and full-service time.

MLB has already agreed to allow“high-risk” players to COVID-19 to opt out and still be paid. Other players who aren't considered “high risk” can still opt out, but won't be paid or receive service time. Two of the game's biggest stars, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, have wives who are pregnant, and due this summer.