(Audacy) MLM and the MLB Players Association met again Tuesday with hopes of making progress in ending the lockout.
Instead, little progress was made. Now, the on-time opening of spring training is in “grave danger” barring a “miraculous deal” coming together, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan.
The week of Feb. 14 is when pitchers and catchers are expected to begin reporting to spring training, leaving the owners and players less than two weeks to reach a deal if spring training is to start on time.
The owners have now joined the players in disappointment, Audacy Sports insider Jon Heyman reported, adding that the players offered seemingly small changes — such as lowering the bonus pool to $100 million from $105 million — in the latest meeting while bigger issues, such as collective bargaining tax or salary minimums for 0-3 year players, weren't addressed.
There have been only a handful of talks since MLB owners decided to lock out the players on Dec. 2 after failing to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
While a delay to spring training now seems inevitable, the bigger picture is just how far into spring training will the lockout go? And could it spill into the regular season?
Spring training games are scheduled to begin on Feb. 26, while Opening Day is March 31.
March 3 is the day to circle to begin worrying about whether regular-season games could be missed, according to ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers. While a shortened spring training could be agreed upon, it's likely that players will need four weeks of spring training to properly prepare for the season.
It hasn't been reported when the two sides plan to meet next.
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