Report: MLBPA requests 114-game season, expanded playoffs, deferred payments
The Major League Baseball Players Association delivered its counterproposal to the league on Sunday regarding the parameters of a 2020 season, according to Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The proposal includes:
- A 114-game schedule beginning June 30 and ending Oct. 31
- The ability for any player to opt out of playing if they wish
- Expanded playoffs in 2020, 2021
- $100 million in deferred salary payments if the 2020 postseason is canceled
Teams would only be able to defer salaries for players slated to make $10 million before taking into account prorating. The deferments would also be paid with interest to make each player whole.
Players deemed "high-risk" amid the coronavirus pandemic or live with someone "high-risk" could opt out of playing and still receive a full salary and service time, while others who wish to opt out would only receive service time.
One MLB ownership figure said the counterproposal is a "nonstarter," according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
To generate additional revenue, the MLBPA would be open to a postseason or offseason Home Run Derby, All-Star Game, and other special events.
By increasing the length of the schedule from the league-proposed 82 games to 114 contests and asking for full prorated salaries, players would be in line to receive 70% of their 2020 pay.
The union's response comes five days after players said they were disappointed with the league's original economic plan sent to them earlier this week, which involved "massive" concessions.
On Sunday, a report surfaced indicating some owners prefer to cancel the 2020 season instead of continuing to negotiate with the players' union or holding games without fans in attendance due to the ongoing pandemic.