MLB proposes to delay salary cap until 2028, but MLBPA stands firm

MLBPA responds to proposal

The MLBPA then said it remains opposed to the salary cap. 

"Coming off another incredible season of baseball, MLB owners continue to propose blowing up the current system and replacing it with one designed to line their pockets and increase their franchise values," MLBPA said. 

The MLBPA outlined its concerns, including reduced player compensation, the elimination of guaranteed contracts and the rejection of player proposals on minimum salaries and revenue sharing. Players could reportedly lose boatloads of money if the league implemented the policies in the proposed cap. Union officials told ESPN's Jeff Passan, "Players would lose more than $1B over the life of the league's proposal if they agreed to a cap."  

"Players stand ready to negotiate in good faith toward a new CBA that will capitalize on our sport's unprecedented momentum and benefit players, clubs and fans alike," MLBPA said.

With the current CBA set to expire on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, a work stoppage seems inevitable. MLB's last lockout began in December 2021 and lasted 99 days, ending in March 2022. The last time the league proposed a salary cap, it lasted even longer. In 1994, players went on strike for 232 days, leading to the cancellation of that season's World Series. The strike ended after U.S. District Judge Sonia Sotomayor (now an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court) ruled owners couldn't use replacement players, forcing both sides to reach an agreement. 

The Athletic's Evan Drellich noted in late October that another work stoppage won't cancel the 2027 MLB season, but it could shorten it. With both sides playing hardball, the outlook for this upcoming season remains bleak.