Major League Baseball canceled another two regular-season series Wednesday after the league and the MLB Players Association failed to strike a deal on a collective bargaining agreement.
The league gave the union a deadline of Wednesday night to decide on one of three options regarding the international draft.
Meanwhile, the MLBPA was waiting on a full counteroffer from MLB on an offer from the players earlier in the day, something the league said it would do only if union chose one of the three options.
Regardless, regular-season games are now canceled up to April 14. The 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s major-league debut is April 15.
“Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement announcing the cancellation of more games.
“I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans,” Manfred added.
The sides got closer on the luxury tax, down to $12 million apart in Year 5. But they’re still far apart on the bonus pool.
But the international draft and which side originally proposed it during talks in Jupiter reportedly dominated talks Wednesday. Regardless, an international is a non-starter for Latin players, per The Athletic.
Still, MLB gave the union three options:
1. Agree to eliminate draft-pick compensation, examine international draft.
2. Give MLB option to reopen CBA in three years if union won’t agree to draft.
3. Agree to international draft and elimination of draft-pick compensation.
The lockout continues.
–Field Level Media