99 days after MLB owners decided to lock out the players over an expired collective bargaining agreement (CBA), baseball is open for business once again. The league and MLBPA agreed to terms on a new CBA Thursday afternoon, with it slated to be ratified by the end of the day.
Over the last three months — and particularly the past two weeks — talks had become extremely contentious over a number of vital issues. The union wanted significant increases in the luxury tax threshold, minimum salaries, and a pre-arbitration bonus pool.
Meanwhile, the league wanted an international draft, expanded playoffs, and the ability to make rule changes with less than one year of notice. While there still remains debate over the international draft, it appears both sides have gotten what they came for, according to Evan Drellich of The Athletic:
Some final details of a CBA where players made some notable gains:
• Pre-arb bonus pool at $50m
• Min salary: $700k, $720k, 740k, $760k, $780k
• CBT: $230m-$244m
• Draft lottery at 6 picks
• Universal DH
• Amateur draft is 20 rounds
• Player can be optioned 5 times per yr— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 10, 2022
There is also a new 3rd surcharge, a 4th level of the CBT, sometimes referred to in the industry as the Steve Cohen tax.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 10, 2022
As part of the new CBA, the MLBPA agreed to drop the grievance that was filed in 2020 re: the restart of the sport during the pandemic. The revenue sharing grievance from earlier was not dropped.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 10, 2022
MLB can implement rule changes now with a 45-day notice — meaning, in a single offseason — rather than the prior one year’s notice. There will be a committee to discuss rules w/6 league appointees, 4 player appointees, and 1 umpire. (League has more votes, so, MLB has the power.)
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 10, 2022
There are likely plenty more details to come in the coming days and weeks as analysts parse through all the nuances of this agreement. However, in some form, both sides could call this deal a success.
And most important of all, MLB and the Players Association came to an agreement in time to salvage a 162-game season. Having to shorten the season would have led to even more contentions talks regarding prorated pay and service time.
Now, MLB and the players can get to work on the 2022 season. They don’t have much time, with free agency already planning to start shortly after the deal is ratified Thursday evening.
Spring Training, Opening Day dates revealed
The schedule for the 2022 season has not been completely finalized. However, we do know that players can begin reporting to Spring Training on March 11, with mandatory reporting taking place by March 13 with some exceptions.
Opening Day will be April 7, with the six lost days to be made up using doubleheaders at the end of the regular season schedule.