Report: MLBPA rejects MLB deal for universal DH, expanded playoffs
The MLBPA rejected a deal from MLB to adopt the universal designated hitter and an expanded postseason schedule, according to a league memo that Jon Heyman of MLB Network obtained.
The union wanted the universal DH to remain in place after being introduced for the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. The league made an offer in December to keep the DH in the National League on the condition that the union agreed to an expanded playoff format, which the players' association rejected, Heyman reports.
The union hasn't made a counterproposal, deciding instead not to discuss the matter further when it became apparent an agreement was contingent on including an expanded postseason, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
Spring training is scheduled to get underway in mid-February, with the regular season slated to begin on April 1. There's still a chance talks will resume.
My understanding is that the door hasn't been closed on the DH or expanded playoffs, there is plenty of room for continued negotiations on both topics, I'm told.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 25, 2021
In early December, the league reportedly informed teams to plan for the 2021 season as though there would not be a universal DH.
Former Minnesota Twins slugger Nelson Cruz is still waiting for a universal DH decision, as the National League keeping the role would theoretically lead to more options for him on the open market.