Major League Baseball negotiators walked out of Thursday’s bargaining session with the players union after only 15 minutes, angry over the union’s latest proposal, leaving the scheduled start of the regular season in serious jeopardy.
MLB has informed the players union that a deal must struck by Feb. 28 to preserve the start of the regular season on March 31. The union, incensed that the lockout was implemented in the first place, blames MLB for the slow-moving negotiations.
Considering the two sides remain so far apart, particularly on the luxury tax threshold and penalties, any previous optimism is rapidly waning.
One person with direct knowledge of the negotiations predicts that the lockout could now extend until at least mid-March, which would all but guarantee the 162-game season would be shortened, providing the season is not extended into mid-November.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports the condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.
MLB 2022:Mariners aim to end 21-year playoff drought … when the lockout ends
LOCKOUT: What to know as spring training is officially delayed
In the latest meeting, only their sixth since the lockout began at midnight Dec. 1, the players union proposed that instead of seeking salary arbitration rights for all players with at least two years of major-league service,it would be for the top 80% of the two-year class. In exchange, the union increased their bonus pool proposal for pre-arbitration eligible players from $100 million to $115 million, covering about 150 players.
It leaves the sides at least $100 million apart simply on the one issue. MLB has offered a $15 million bonus pool, covering about 30 players, while keeping the status quo of arbitration eligible players at two years and the top 22% of the service class.
There were no other modified proposals on the minimum salary, luxury tax thresholds, draft lottery or mechanisms to curb service time manipulation.
Deputy commissioner Dan Halem and union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer met privately for 20 minutes after the meeting ended, according to New York reporters, with no date yet set for their next meeting.
