Report: MLB, MLBPA reach agreement regarding vesting options

MLB and the MLBPA have reached an agreement on how to handle vesting options for the 2021 season that are based on statistical thresholds during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

All vesting options will be paid in full, while the thresholds at which those options vest will be prorated.

For example, Rosenthal notes, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller would have needed to make 37 appearances for his option to vest in a normal full season. However, with the season shortened to 60 games, he'll now need to make 14 appearances for his $12-million option to be automatically picked up.

While vesting options are fully guaranteed, the bonuses based on statistical milestones will be prorated, Rosenthal adds.

In addition, days on the COVID IL will count as days on the active roster for players with bonuses based on time spent off the injured list.

In late June, MLB mandated a 60-game season based on an agreement made with the players' union in March. While that agreement contained the outline for a return to play, it didn't cover everything, and some salary details needed to be worked out.