MLB owners unanimously vote to proceed with 2020 season
After months of failed negotiations, it appears MLB is finally ready to play ball.
Hours after the players' association rejected the league's final offer to play a 60-game season, the league announced Monday that ownership from each club voted unanimously to proceed with the 2020 campaign. Under the terms of the original March 26 agreement, commissioner Rob Manfred can now set the schedule and guarantees players 100% prorated pay.
"Today, the Major League Baseball Players Association informed us that they have rejected the agreement framework developed by commissioner Manfred and Tony Clark," the league's statement read. "In view of this rejection, the MLB clubs have unanimously voted to proceed with the 2020 season."
Among the items rejected by the players Monday was the implementation of the universal DH for two years, $25 million in playoff pools, 104% prorated salary, and an expanded postseason in 2021. By rejecting the proposal, the players have the right to file a grievance against the league.
The league is now asking the players' association to sign off on health and safety measures before moving forward. Should players agree, the owners plan to implement a 60-game season, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. It would be the shortest season since 1878.
"In order to produce a schedule with a specific number of games, we are asking the players' association provide us by 5 p.m. ET (Tuesday) with two pieces of information," MLB's statement continued.
"The first is whether players will be able to report to camp within seven days (by July 1). The second is whether the players' association will agree on the operating manual which contains the health and safety protocols necessary to give us the best opportunity to conduct and complete our regular season and postseason."
Even if the sides agree to health and safety protocols, the possibility remains that some players may decide to sit out.