MLB proposes contract length limits, no deferrals

This proposal would also make college players eligible after their sophomore season and cut the bonus pool from $358.7 million to $200 million. It wouldn’t be surprising if the MLBPA agreed to this — recently drafted players don’t usually spend a lot of time at bargaining tables — in exchange for other concessions. It’s also far from a sure thing that it will happen. MLB’s proposal did say that there would be no further eliminations of minor league teams.

Nothing official from the league itself, but it sounds like the time-centered derby is dead. Drellich outlines that the revised format, which hasn’t been used since 2015, provides hitters with 20 swings in the first round and 15 swings for each of the semifinal and final rounds. Hitters get to continue on their final swing until they fail to homer. This year’s Home Run Derby will feature eight contestants at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park next month.

It was the drumbeat for most of the offseason, so this isn’t surprising, but it’s still galling to see it. A salary floor would be set at $171.2 million for MLB teams, meaning 12 teams would have to increase their payrolls while eight would have to shed to get under the cap. We’re not quite sure how likely any of this is to happen — either this or yesterday’s proposal from the MLBPA to raise the minimum salary to $1.5 million — but this will remain the backdrop as the union and ownership continue to talk ahead of the expiration of the CBA after the season.

The $1.5 million minimum salary — a significant jump from the $780,000 minimum that currently exists — is among the highlights of the initial proposal, but far from the only ask. The union proposes a “competitive-integrity tax” for any team that does not spend $150 million in their respective season. Among the other highlights are a proposed jump from $50 million to $180 million in the bonus pool, a minimum tender in arbitration of $3 million, and a jump in Super 2 players from 22 percent of the field to 44 percent. The MLB owners are expected to make their initial proposal to the player’s association Thursday.

The current CBA expires on Dec. 1, at which point MLB is widely expected to lock out the players. The league is going to argue for a salary cap system, which the players, of course, want no part of. Most likely, the lockout will linger into at least February and quite possibly March but hopefully no longer before an agreement gets done.

Meyer was already the MLBPA’s No. 2 officer and the organization’s lead negotiator, so this will keep as much continuity as possible ahead of the collective bargaining agreement’s expiration on Dec. 1. He’s being named on interim basis, according to The Athletic, but all signs point to him staying on until a new labor deal is done. Talks are slated to begin in April.

Clark and the union have been under investigation due to purported improprieties regarding the usage of licensing money. Mets’ infielder Marcus Semien, who is a member of the MLBPA executive subcommittee told reporters on Tuesday that he believes Clark’s resignation is related to the investigation into the improper use of licensing money. Joel Sherman of the New York Post adds that a full statement is expected from Clark before the end of the day on Tuesday. With baseball’s collective bargaining agreement set to expire after the 2026 season and the unrest between players and owners over the future of the game, the chances of a lockout grow increasingly likely.

It’s already the rule in the books, but enforcement of it is very scarce, and especially lately, coaches seem to be trying to get a little closer to the action in order to identify pitch tipping and potentially signal hitters. Coaches will first get a warning for any infractions and then are subject to ejection afterwards.

This announcement ensures that the trade deadline will not fall on a weekend. Last year’s deadline was on July 31, but it has changed dates in recent years. If anything, teams will have an extra couple of days to decide their direction.

Rosenthal reports that Tucker’s decision to sign with the Dodgers was “a boiling point” for owners, who are also upset about the Mets’ deal with Bo Bichette. Rosenthal suggests that “the Dodgers and Mets might be the only teams that will try to stand in the way of a cap.” The Dodgers project to have a payroll over $400 million again in 2026, but only three other teams are likely to have a payroll over $300 million, which highlights the disparity that many are worried about. Nothing is confirmed yet, but it seems painstakingly clear that we are headed for another MLB lockout.

David Sandlin is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to start against the Royals on Friday evening.

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Player Stats

Marlins optioned RHP Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Jacksonville.

Marlins optioned INF Connor Norby to Triple-A Jacksonville.

Nick Madrigal has elected free agency.

Juan Soto (back) rejoined the Mets’ starting lineup on Thursday after missing both halves of Wednesday’s doubleheader due to back tightness.

Seiya Suzuki is not in the Cubs’ starting lineup for Thursday’s battle against the Mets.

Diamondbacks recalled RHP Juan Burgos from Triple-A Reno.

Diamondbacks optioned RHP Mitch Bratt to Triple-A Reno.

Diamondbacks transferred RHP Ryne Nelson to the 60-day injured list.

Diamondbacks optioned INF/OF Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno.