Players express disappointment with MLB's new economic proposal
We’re no closer to Major League Baseball’s return after the league delivered its revised economic proposal to the players on Tuesday. In fact, the proposal may have only served to drive a deeper wedge between the league and the players.
That’s the read after the players union and a handful of players themselves commented publicly after learning details of the league’s new plan.
As expected, the league dropped a revenue-sharing model to pay players for a potential 2020 season after the players made it clear they were not interested. However, the new proposal was met with even more resentment. According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the league’s new proposal calls for a sliding scale that would pay lower-paid players closer to their half-season prorated salaries while higher-paid players would take a larger pay cut.
“We made a proposal to the union that is completely consistent with the economic realities facing our sport. We look forward to a responsive proposal from the MLBPA,” the league wrote in a statement late Tuesday afternoon.
The MLBPA responded with disappointment to the league’s proposal, adding that the two parties also remain far apart on health and safety issues.
The Players Association says the proposal involves massive additional pay cuts and the union is extremely disappointed. The sides also remain far apart on health & safety protocols. We’ll meet with players to determine next steps.
Players respond to proposal
Disappointment and perhaps even disgust would describe how the players are reacting.
This season is not looking promising. Keeping the mind and body ready regardless. Time to dive into some life-after-baseball projects. Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Brighter times remain ahead!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 26, 2020
Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys
— Brett Anderson (@_BAnderson30_) May 26, 2020
Sometimes no words are required.
— Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) May 26, 2020
There’s also a clear frustration from the players side concerning how the information is getting out.
It’s getting very irritating that all of the information regarding the start of the baseball season is getting leaked before 95% of the players can even see it.
— Jake Diekman (@JakeDiekman) May 26, 2020
The prevailing thought is the owners are trying to cause a divide within the players camp by putting a bigger onus on high-salaried players to sacrifice for those lower on the scale. As former MLB pitcher Dallas Braden sees it, it’s a calculated play by the owners, who are confident fans will side against MLB’s highest paid stars.
Insulting. Unfortunately fans will not see this as an attempt by the owners to pit the high $ guys Vs. league minimum guys. What’s great for the owners is not only do they not care about that, they KNOW fans will view it as the high $ guys being selfish & not caring about others. https://t.co/WioIcwarbo
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) May 26, 2020
We’ve already seen evidence of Braden’s fears coming true.
I disagree. The free agent SP is extremely thin next year and I’m at the top of the list with a few others. Being an established SP in this game isn’t easy and quality SP is always a huge necessity. Regardless, life is amazing however it plays out!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 26, 2020
Regardless of how the fans feel, it’s clear the new proposal has raised tensions and created further damage that will take valuable time to repair. That’s concerning given the small negotiating window that exists.
This week is critical in the negotiating process. The target time to begin the season is the first week of July. With at least three weeks of preparation needed to get ready, the sides have roughly 14 days to make a 2020 MLB season become a reality.
Praying that we get this figured out and back on the field soon. It’s hard to put into words how much I miss the game. Nothing compares to that feeling of excitement/nausea when taking the mound. Been craving that. However, WE must all stay positive and keep good faith daily!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 26, 2020
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