MLB, players still talking on 2020

MLB had 40 players and staff members test positive for COVID-19 in the past week, creating a sense of urgency in labor negotiations between the owners and players, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the situation.

They spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The players postponed their vote Sunday whether to accept or reject MLB’s plan for a 60-game season with full prorated play after Commissioner Rob Manfred telephoned union chief Tony Clark and emailed tweaks to MLB’s last proposal.

MLB still is offering 60 games, guaranteeing the players about $1.5 billion, but the recent surge of positive tests will further delay the start of the season. The resumption of spring training now will be no earlier than June 29, with the season starting July 26. The two sides had agreed the season would start July 19 in their last exchange of proposals.

“I really believe we are fighting over an impossibility on games,” Manfred said to Clark in his email obtained by USA TODAY Sports. “The earliest we will be ready for players to report is a week from Monday (June 29) given the need to relocate teams from Florida. That leaves 66 days to play 60 games. Realistically, that is the outside of the envelope now.”

The fear among the union and players is that while they have been assured of receiving their full prorated salary, COVID-19 could force the season to be shortened to less than 60 games, further reducing their pay.

If the season is shortened, Manfred promised to Clark that the postseason would not be expanded from 10 teams to 16 teams in 2021 and that the designated hitter would not be used in the National League in 2021.

Manfred also promised Clark that players on non-guaranteed contracts who are released during spring training and who were salary-arbitration eligible in 2019 will receive full termination pay.

If the two sides are unable to reach a deal this week, Manfred is expected to mandate a season of 54 to 60 games.

Positive tests in the Phillies’ and the Yankees’ camps in the Tampa area forced MLB to shut down all spring training facilities. Every team, with the possible exception of the Blue Jays, will now have spring training at their own home ballparks, according to a highranking official.