The MLBPA has sent a counterproposal to MLB. Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

MLBPA offers 70 games, split playoff revenue to MLB owners

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/18/20

The Major League Baseball Players Association has countered an offer made by MLB owners and increased the number of requested regular-season games amid the coronavirus pandemic from 60 to 70.

In the same week MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN's Mike Greenberg he was "not confident" there would be any season after negotiations between the two parties fell apart, owners submitted a proposal of 60 games with fully prorated pay on Wednesday.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the players would want more games to make up for salaries lost due to the shortened season, however, and that seems to be the case. On Thursday, Passan and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic both tweeted the players have asked for 70 games, a split of playoff revenues, and a universal designated hitter.

Passan adds he believes owners will reject this offer.

The MLBPA’s proposal to MLB is for 70 games, sources tell ESPN, and includes a split of playoff revenues.

While the league is unlikely to accept this proposal, it’s close enough for optimism there will be a season — whether it’s via a deal or MLB setting a shorter schedule.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020

Exact number of games in union proposal is 70, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 18, 2020

Each game is worth ~$25M in total player salaries, according to estimates by those on the players’ side. That averages out to ~$833K per club per game. https://t.co/nNOVl29WB4
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 18, 2020

Among the details in MLBPA’s new proposal, sources tell ESPN:

- 70-game season from July 19-Sept. 30
- $50M in playoff bonuses
- 50/50 split of new postseason TV revenues in 2021
- Forgiveness of salary advance for Tier I-III players
- Universal DH
- Mutual waiver of grievance
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020

Anything other than 100% prorated pay appears to be off the table for the union, which continues to insist owners stick to a March 26 agreement that promised fully prorated salaries for a condensed season. Via that deal, Manfred has the right to schedule a campaign that includes around 48-54 regular-season games.

Players have demanded that Manfred and the league tell them "when and where" to report for Spring Training 2.0.

Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the owners and players could announce July 19 as Opening Day for the 2020 season if they put pen to paper on a deal by the end of this Friday.

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