The MLBPA submitted another proposal today. While everyone has been talking about the implementation of a salary cap, and the possible elimination of high school players entering the draft. There is still multiple other points to discuss, especially considering the last CBA was over 420 pages long, (trust me, i’ve looked through it all, it’s a lot). Today’s proposal included changes to how the 60-day IL would work, changes to the date of the trade deadline and an update to when the Rule 5 draft will take place. Let’s break it all down and see if these will likely be accepted by ownership.
The first few terms are regarding when the trade deadline happens. These should likely be agreed on with no issue and see a quick agreement between both sides. This year’s trade deadline is scheduled for August 3rd, less than two months before the season ends and playoffs begin.
- The MLBPA is proposing to move up the trade deadline a week sooner. Currently the date is set by the commissioner’s office from any point during July 28th through August 3rd. The union is proposing is takes place between July 21st through July 27th.
- Trade deadline to come a full two full business days after the amateur draft signing deadline.
- Allow players who have been removed from the 40-man roster to be traded even after the deadline.
The next few terms is helping players who are used either before the All-Star Game and sent down to earn MLB money, even if they were sent down. The union would also like updates to playoff eligibility, a new roster status for players observing religion and some more terms that we will break down.
There may be more owners willing to say no to these terms, rather than yes. This is purely due to owners being historically cheap, and having to pay players an MLB salary probably wont float very well with them. I could see owners willing to agree to terms with the ‘RAL’, emergency catcher, usage of the 60-day IL in the offseason and allowing veteran FA’s to begin in MiLB. The other things, well that might take some convincing. There could be a scenario where owners accept these terms with no issue since i can already think of a few workarounds for the new proposals. Regardless, we will add these to the list of potential draggers of these CBA negotiations.
- Changing the MLB roster size from 26 to 28 for the first 15 days of the MLB season.
- Reducing minor league options from 5 to 3.
- Pitchers who record at least 9 outs or 50 pitches in a game that occurs seven days immediately prior to the All-Star break would receive MLB service time, as well as MLB salary up until the clubs fourth game after the ASG break, regardless if the pitcher has been called back up. Teams would not be allowed to bring up this demotion in salary arbitration hearings.
- At any point during the MLB season, pitchers who record 9 outs or 50 pitches, who is optioned that same day or the following day will be entitled to MLB service time and salary for four days following their appearance.
- Players who are optioned in Sept or Oct, would be entitled to MLB pay, and not just service time. The team would not be allowed to bring up the demotion in salary arbitration hearings. Players are usually sent down in the beginning of September to stay ready for an MiLB postseason run.
- Full playoff eligibility for players anywhere inside a team’s organization by 12 PM ET on Sept. 1st. The current rules require players to be on the 40-man roster.
- A separate, dedicated inactive roster status for players on religious observance named the “religious accommodation list”. Players would have to apply to the commissioner’s office, but once approved, they’d have a maximum of two days to serve their respective accommodation. They would be entitled to their full pay and earn service time while away on the ‘RAL’.
- Designate a bullpen catcher as an emergency catcher. If both team’s catchers get hurt in a game, then they would come into the game. They would be fully entitled to MLB pay and service time.
- Allow teams to use the 60-day IL list in the offseason. Starting the day after the tender deadline, the union hopes this will encourage some early signings. Currently the rule is set up where the players who may not see a return till midseason, get added back onto the 40-man roster, and forces teams to make tough decisions.
- Allow veteran FA’s who sign with a team near or after Opening Day to have an opportunity to return to the minors for a quick stint, not longer than 10 days. This could extend to 19 days, if the players allows. (Player who is out of options will be granted one optional assignment as long as their contract isn’t signed no earlier than 10 days before the season).
I was honestly quite surprised that the union had to get something added into their proposals to allow players access to some performance data. Regardless, these two terms should be agreed on with no issue. Moving the Rule 5 draft benefits both sides and i don’t see any reason why this would hurt owners. It could also give teams an early jump on seeing who they’d need to trade for, as those teams interest is high at the beginning of the offseason.
- Allowing players access to all club non-proprietary performance data. If team takes video using a special high-speed camera, then that pitcher would be allowed access to that video.
- Move every Rule 5 draft from December to November during the final year of each CBA. This is being set up to protect both sides and assure that a Rule 5 draft would happen every year. During the last CBA negotiations, the Rule 5 draft didn’t happen and MLB teams are going forward and planning to not have one.
The beginning of December might seem like a far ways away, but it’s just right around the corner. Despite it being so close on the calendar, both sides couldn’t be further apart. They are scheduled to meet again during the week of the All-Star break. Yesterday, the league made proposals regarding the joint drug agreement to ban more substances from the league, and to increase the ability to communicate with teams when a player has a positive pending test. MLB also made proposals regarding on-field discipline and updating glove regulations. The owners are prepared to lock out the union if an agreement isn’t reached by Dec. 1st. It’s not a matter of if a lockout will happen, but rather how long it might last.
Bear Sports News 
Leave a comment