Report: MLB officials optimistic of CBA deal before deadline

Major League Baseball and the Players Association have until Dec. 1 to settle on a new collective bargaining agreement, and despite rumors of a potential lockout, discussions are reportedly moving in the right direction.

Two baseball officials, speaking anonymously because talks are still ongoing, provided Bob Nightengale of USA Today with details about why a resolution is expected before Thursday's deadline.

The officials told Nightengale there won't be an international draft - which fits with a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports from Monday - or rash luxury tax penalties, and that only subtle changes will be made in the next agreement.

Nightengale wrote that baseball's luxury tax is expected to remain at $189 million in 2017, with incremental increases over the next five years, while the minimum salary for players will rise as well.

Also among expected changes is the expansion of rosters from 25 to 26 in exchange for limiting the number of call-ups in September, and tweaks to the free-agent compensation system.