The MLB Players Association and MLB representatives spent most of Monday in and out of collective bargaining agreement meetings in Jupiter, Florida, but did not strike a deal. The two sides reportedly remain far apart on several key sticking points.
The Athletic’s Evan Drellich reported MLB raised its pre-arbitration bonus pool offer from $5 million to $20 million, but only to be distributed to 30 eligible players. MLBPA previously proposed a $115 million pool for 150 pre-arbitration players. MLB also increased its draft lottery proposal from three to four teams; the players want eight.
The competitive balance tax, also known as the luxury tax, went unaddressed Monday. That area is among the utmost importance for both sides, Drellich added.
The MLBPA was “disappointed” with MLB’s proposal, according to Newsday’s Tim Healey.
Max Scherzer, Whit Merrifield, Francisco Lindor and Paul Goldschmidt were among the players present in meetings. Taylor Rogers, Giants reliever Tyler Rogers’ brother, was also there negotiating on behalf of the MLBPA.
Meetings, as well as caucuses that broke out of them, lasted much longer than negotiating sessions typically have during the lockout. The most recent meeting before Monday lasted 15 minutes. But substance of bargaining is more important than length of meeting, and the “meat” of talks didn’t appear to make much progress.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said recently “you’re always one breakthrough away from a deal.” MLB also pointed to Feb. 28 as a deadline for a deal in order to save the scheduled Opening Day. It’s unclear if the MLBPA agrees to that specific date as concrete, but time is ticking nonetheless.
The two sides are scheduled to convene again tomorrow and again every day this week. Every day without a deal puts the regular season in further jeopardy.
Pitchers and catchers would have already reported to spring training by this time. Giants minor league spring training officially opens in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 5.