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In addition to that, it’s evident the virus is still the biggest obstacle for these two sides to overcome.
The Associated Press reports the union postponed its Sunday vote on the league’s 60-game proposal and will use Monday to think about what to do.
The delay came after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reached out to MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark.
If that were to happen, he wrote, he would eliminate components of the deal relating to the 2021 season, including expanded playoffs, and the designated hitter rule would revert to the current rule.
Manfred also said players who were released during spring training on non-guaranteed contracts, but were arbitration eligible in 2019, would get full termination pay.
While media in recent weeks have focused on the finances involved, everyone has been reminded about the seriousness of the coronavirus, especially after word of several new cases in the baseball world. The AP reported 40 players and staff had tested positive as of Sunday afternoon. On Friday, the Phillies confirmed eight members of their organization who were at their Clearwater facility — including five players — had tested positive.
MLB’s current proposal is for 60 games. The players union wants more games, most recently proposing 70, but the league isn’t budging.
If the players ultimately decide to vote against the 60, Manfred will have the power to implement a scheduled of his choosing, but there’s the likely risk of the MLBPA filing a grievance for all the back-and-forth after their original March 26 agreement.
It’s not out of the question that the league could file a grievance against the union for not negotiating in good faith with fans probably not allowed at the games.
Grievances would be a mess on top of the mess already created on both sides.
The chances of a July 19 start to the regular season are said to be gone. For now we wait to see how the players vote and whether Manfred needs to force a schedule without an agreement.