MLB players propose 114-game season

Prorated pay agreed upon previously, opting out of season option included

In its counter delivered to Major League Baseball on Sunday, the Players Association proposed a 114-game regular season, gave players the right to opt out of the 2020 season entirely, and stuck to the prorated salaries the two sides agreed upon in March.

Multiple outlets reported the details of the union’s proposal late Sunday night. The union’s counter arrived after it panned the league’s proposal last week — one highlighted by a sliding pay scale that restricted salaries for the sport’s highest-paid players.

Players are not open to discussing another pay cut after agreeing to prorated salaries in March. Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer, a union subcommittee member, tweeted last week there is “no justification to accept a second pay cut.”

The MLBPA’s proposal did offer the possibility of salary deferrals, but only if the 2020 postseason is canceled. Players who make $10 million or more prior to proration would see their salaries deferred if the playoffs are canceled — a total of $100 million in deferred money.

Players would receive a $100 million advance upon reporting to a second spring training, according to the union’s plan. It also presented an expanded 14-team playoff format in 2020 and 2021.

Under the union’s plan, all players would be afforded the option to opt out of the 2020 season. Those labeled “high risk” in relation to COVID-19 — or those who live with someone in that category — would still be paid. Others would receive only service time.

The league’s proposal called for an approximately 80-game season. MLBPA countered with a 114-game slate scheduled to start June 30. Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month he hoped to start regular-season play in early July. Adhering to either timeline will require consummating a deal quickly — perhaps this week.