Last week became a vital week for the MLB PA and MLB Owners. MLB proposed a salary cut based on the percentage of pay from players. The players took that proposal and denied it quicker than it took for you to read this sentence. The counter became a pro-rate proposal that included roughly a 114 game season lasting until the end of October. While the likelihood of that offer didn’t give much hope, MLB rejected that proposal on Wednesday. On Monday, rumors of a 50-game idea from MLB and owners surfaced if the return to play deal didn’t finalize (or less than pro-rated for an 82 game season). Here we are in early June with no sign of light at the end of the tunnel for baseball in 2020.

MLB rejected the union’s proposal for a 114-game season and said it would not send a counter, sources tell The Athletic. The league said it has started talks with owners about playing a shorter season without fans, and that it is ready to discuss additional ideas with the union.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 3, 2020

The one consensus on the steep hill to overcome is the financial and economic issues between players and owners. Owners suggest pro-rated salaries for a shortened season or a percentage cut of an already snipped salary. On the other side, players beg for a lengthier season with a pro-rated salary to a 100+ game season. The bottom line is fans, and players, plead for the first pitch of the 2020 season. The frustration continues to ignite with NBA finalizing a startup, NHL starting a return to play for the Stanley Cup, and the NFL still on schedule to begin in a couple of months. Former MLB pitcher, Dontrelle Willis, Cardinals pitcher, Jack Flaherty, and Angels broadcaster (former Rangers’ radio broadcaster), Victor Rojas weighed their thoughts on the situation.

Man why don’t they just play 70-82 games expand playoffs and eat #MLB pic.twitter.com/8oMCBwPbDF

— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) June 3, 2020

I still believe this is about negotiations heading into new CBA. My take, @MLB_PLAYERS should call…take the 50 games @ full pro-rated salaries w no fans at stadiums & put ball back in MLB’s court. July/Aug season w/ Sept/Oct playoffs. Simply an idea but puts game back on field. https://t.co/sMxT7N3BVm

— Victor Rojas (@VictorRojas) June 3, 2020

they too worried about making more money than about playing more games. worried about cutting minor league players or not paying them to save some money. trying to have Trout take a 70% pay cut. you can see what Robs “pay cut” is https://t.co/LyIsTy01Sr

— Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) June 3, 2020

 

What’s the Deal? Is there a 2020 Baseball season?

It’s fascinating because two months ago, I answered the exact question. I felt like baseball ended its 2020 reign in Florida during Spring Training on March 12th. I based my answer on health obstacles around COVID-19, including opening parks for employees, state health regulations, and the safety of personnel and players. After witnessing the events possibly settling down and governors allowing athletes to participate in team sports, the issue magnifies to the financial burden of the season. Regardless of who is in the right, if a 2020 season doesn’t happen because of an economic disagreement, it’ll be a pill MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred has to swallow for years and even decades. The opposition alignment, health regulations, and an initial fan” less” plan are all in place.

The million-dollar question is, can both sides come up with a compromise to provide baseball fans “America’s Pastime,” where kids and parents can gather and watch their favorite Rangers nightly in the summertime. My gut tells me it’ll happen. The timeline may be soon with MLB stating they won’t provide a counteroffer, but I believe both sides will conclude that baseball in 2020 needs to happen, for the present and future.

On the positive side, “The Natural” sounds excellent at Globe Life Field. Hoping fans will hear that in person in 2020.

This will never stop being cool. pic.twitter.com/VTF0KrcDVl

— Michael Gruber (@tweetgrubes) June 3, 2020