MLB players are believed to have had two options presented to them about starting the season. Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Report: MLB gave players two options for 2020 season

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/19/20

It appears negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association to begin the 2020 season that hasn't yet begun because of the coronavirus pandemic won't get much friendlier between the two parties anytime soon.

On Tuesday afternoon, MLB Network's Jon Heyman tweeted that owners have presented two new proposals to the players, and logic suggests the union won't happily embrace either:

MLB in recent talks gave the union 2 options: 1) negotiate a new financial arrangement (sonething other than prorated pay for players playing games with no fans in attendance) or 2) wait until the Coronavirus yo clear to the point where fans can attend games.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 19, 2020

MLB has been espousing a 50-50 revenue split behind the scenes but no formal proposal has been made to players yet. In any case, players do seem very much resolved not to agree to a revenue sharing proposal on principle (they view at as a form of salary cap, and a bad precedent)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 19, 2020

In March, MLB and the players agreed the league would prorate salaries for a season shortened due to the virus outbreak. However, multiple reports have surfaced that the league wants players to dump that deal and instead agree to a 50-50 revenue split.

Agent Scott Boras, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer, Bauer's agent, and Rays starter and 2018 Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell all publicly criticized this proposal.

Florida, Arizona, New York, Texas and California have welcomed pro sports to their states despite concerns regarding the pandemic, but it appears events such as MLB games will occur behind closed doors and without spectators for the foreseeable future.

This reality will likely affect current and future negotiations between owners and the players for the resumption of spring training sessions and the start of the campaign that may only last a few months.

Across the pond, the English Premier League may not allow supporters to attend matches for an entire year. Earlier this month, the Dutch health minister said fans may not be allowed to attend games in Holland until a coronavirus vaccine is available to the masses.

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