Major League Baseball just proposed a deal for a shortened 2020 season. This proposal comes in the wake of unprecedented circumstances that have caused games to be missed, leaving owners reluctant to pay more than they believe is necessary. The MLB's plan, which aimed to create a framework for a season amid the ongoing challenges, was met with swift disappointment from the MLB Players Association, which raises significant questions about the future of baseball during these challenging times.
The proposal includes an 82-game schedule along with bonuses contingent on postseason games being played. However, it appears to favor the players who earn less, presenting a sliding scale for salaries instead of a straightforward prorated pay system. This raises concerns about how the financial structure of the league will support its players, especially the top earners who stand to lose a significant amount of their income under these terms.
Using the current formula, the highest-paid player this season, Mike Trout, would have seen a total of $37,666,666 had the season proceeded as planned. Instead, his base salary is adjusted to $5,748,577, and he could potentially earn only a fraction of his prorated salary. As the deal was being finalized, ESPN's MLB Insider Jeff Passan provided insights into how the proposed salaries compared to the regular prorated amounts, emphasizing the financial impact on players across the league.
| Player | Proposed Salary | Prorated Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Player 1 | $285K | $262K |
| Player 2 | $506K | $434K |
| Player 3 | $1.01M | $736K |
| Player 4 | $2.53M | $1.64M |
| Player 5 | $5.06M | $2.95M |
| Player 6 | $7.59M | $4.05M |
| Player 7 | $10.1M | $5.15M |
| Player 8 | $12.7M | $6.05M |
| Player 9 | $15.2M | $6.95M |
| Player 10 | $17.7M | $7.84M |
The proposal also features $200 million in playoff bonuses based on the postseason's extent, with various amounts allocated for different series. While this could potentially benefit higher-paid players significantly, it's essential to note that 65% of players earn $1 million or less, meaning many would receive a more substantial portion of their prorated salaries. Despite the proposal's advantages for some, the players quickly rejected the idea, believing they had a previous agreement ensuring full prorated salaries upon the season's resumption.
The league had also considered a 50-50 revenue share with players, a proposal that was dismissed as well. Now, the MLB awaits a counteroffer from the players, indicating that the path back to baseball is still uncertain. As discussions continue, the future of the season hangs in the balance, showcasing the complexities of negotiations in professional sports during challenging times.
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