As had been expected, the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected an offer from owners for a 60-game regular season and an expanded postseason tournament.
According to ESPN , commissioner Rob Manfred is likely to respond by scheduling a campaign of around 50-60 games with prorated salaries per a March 26 deal agreed to by owners and the players.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted Opening Day for such a season likely won't come before July 26. Nightengale added that Manfred could announce his plans for the campaign as quickly as tonight:
Rob Manfred expected to now implement 54-60 game season that would start no earlier than July 26
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 22, 2020
There are several owners pleading with Commissioner Rob Manfred to go ahead and implement a season tonight.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 22, 2020
ESPN's Buster Olney suspects some will elect not to play until 2021:
And the dominoes are now likely set to tumble:
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 22, 2020
1. Implementation of a short season by MLB
2. Some players choosing not to play.
3. PA grievance
4. Upcoming free agents get destroyed in market
5. All major labor issues merely deferred to next spring.
Mutually assured destruction.
The MLBPA released a statement that didn't say much of anything for fans eager to watch baseball as soon as possible:
The Major League Baseball Players Association today released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/1OnFBsoEjd
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 22, 2020
After the Philadelphia Phillies confirmed a coronavirus outbreak on Friday and other positive cases were reported around the league, it's believed spring training sessions will only occur at home ballparks. Previously , the New York Mets and New York Yankees were among teams looking to return to Florida facilities for spring training 2.0.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!