A new round of bargaining
The Major League Baseball Players Association has laid out a series of proposals that would alter the structure of minor‑league participation, compensation and draft eligibility as the sport heads toward a possible work stoppage in early 2027.
Central to the discussion is a reduction in the number of optional assignments a player can receive to the minors, dropping the limit from five to three over the course of a season. The move is intended to curb frequent roster churn and give prospects more stability at the highest level.
Pitchers who are optioned after meeting specific performance thresholds would be entitled to major‑league pay and service time until their team's fourth game following the All‑Star break, and for four days after a single outing that meets the criteria. This provision aims to reward strong performances while preserving financial security.
The union is also seeking to close the gap between split‑contract salaries, where minor‑league minimums are far below their major‑league counterparts, by instituting a more equitable pay scale.
Another key element is an expansion of the active roster to 28 players for the first 15 days of each season, with a cap of 14 pitchers, giving clubs greater flexibility early in the campaign.
The proposal to keep the 60‑day injured list open through the November tender deadline would protect more players from being exposed to the Rule 5 draft, a safeguard the union argues is essential for player development.
A long‑standing request to accelerate eligibility for the Rule 5 draft, restoring age thresholds that were in place through 2005, would allow teams to protect younger talent while still ensuring a competitive selection process.
Players have emphasized the need for guaranteed access to non‑proprietary team performance and video data, arguing that transparency is vital for preparation and fair competition.
Owner proposals and the looming lockout
In response, ownership has introduced a salary cap for the first time since the 1994‑95 strike, a move that could reshape negotiations over future earnings.
A lockout is widely expected once the current labor contract expires, with intensifying talks projected for late February or early March 2027. If regular‑season games are lost, the dispute could evolve into a standoff over the financial tolerance of both sides.