MLB and MLBPA Couldn’t Come Together on the Following Demands
For the first time in 26 years, the MLB has itself a lockout. PNWS Joe Swenson takes a look at the points for the lockout from both sides and offer’s his opinion.
The MLB is in the middle of its first lockout in 26 years. What are the items that have both the MLB and MLBPA can’t agree on? This article breaks down the items that are on the table that have “forced” the owners to lock out the players.
Free Agency
MLB: Wants to change eligibility to 29.5 years old rather than six years of service.
MLBPA: Actually wants to delay the implementation until the 2022-2023 offseason. Then would like to see it adjusted to whichever scenario occurs first. Between 5-6 service years or 30.5 years of age, then further delay until the 2025-2026 offseason. And adjust it to 5-6 service or 29.5 years of age, whichever occurs first.
Opinion: I can’t believe this hasn’t been checked off and fixed. They are so close on this. Especially with players getting called up and impacting the league at a younger age now. This seems to make complete sense and either option could be accepted.
Free Agent Draft Pick Compensation
MLB: No more penalties for teams that sign free agents who have turned down a qualifying offer.
MLBPA: The same.
Opinion: This seems agreed upon, place a checkmark next to this line item, and let’s move on.
Salary Arbitration
MLB: No change or use of an arbitration system that is based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and awards won. They would also allow arbitration-eligible players to be grandfathered in or choose the new system.
MLBPA: Change eligibility back to two years (1974-1986), where it was before it was increased to three years.
Opinion: I really like the MLB option here. It’s a tangible option that incentives performance. Being that I write for a midsize market team, I prefer the three years of service prior to being arbitration-eligible.
Luxury Tax
MLB: Changing the tax rule to force teams to have a minimum payroll of $100 million that is partially funded by teams with payrolls over $180 million.
MLBPA: Raise to $245 million for the 2022 season and no more non-tax penalties.
Opinion: I hate MLBPA’s option as it doesn’t do enough to keep things competitive. With each season over the threshold, teams earn escalated penalties.
30 years ago: @sportingnews provides fans with a 1-900 number (99 cents a minute) to speak their views on the 1990 MLB Lockout. Best calls are printed, including the guy outraged he’s paying $4 for parking at Phillies games. pic.twitter.com/tVhnXC5Aq9
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 3, 2020
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