MLB: Players counter with more games, more pay, check it out

Oct 9, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; The New York Yankees dugout reacts during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2018 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB, New York Yankees owners, and the other owners of the other 29 baseball clubs presented an offer to the MLBPA (players union) that replaced the previous revenue-sharing request with even more drastic pay cuts, cutting high paid players by as much as 75%.  Through the Atlantic’s Evan Drellich, the players are countering with full per game percentage pay while playing more games.

The MLBPA plans to respond to MLB’s request for additional pay cuts by insisting players receive their full prorated salaries and proposing a schedule of longer than 82 games, according to sources with knowledge of the union’s thinking.  Drillich and Ken Rosenthal reported that the players were united in calls involving the MLBPA executive committee and a larger group of players. United in their call for full pay on a prorated basis and a call for more games equalling more pay.

Max Scherzer, a member of the MLBPA executive sub-committee, tweeted on Wednesday night that the players are not satisfied with MLB owner’s claim of financial distress.

“After discussing the latest developments with the rest of the players, there’s no reason to engage with MLB in any further compensation reductions,” Scherzer said. “We have previously negotiated a pay cut in the version of prorated salaries, and there’s no justification to accept a second pay cut based upon the current information the union has received.

“I’m glad to hear other players voicing the same viewpoint and believe MLB’s economic strategy would completely change if all documentation were to become public information.”

The union also wants an increase to 100 games, which would end up being a two-week extension of the season.  MLB sees that as a risk of more injuries, more COVID-19 exposure, and a loss for the owners for every game about the proposed 82 games.

Ultimately MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the coronavirus will determine when and if a season is started and how many games will be played in the season. The player’s proposal may not be accepted by the owners, but at least it leads to more conversation and discussion on how to proceed with a baseball season.  Both sides, however, have an artificial deadline in being able to start a season that will require 3 to 4-week spring training.  The clock is ticking at least the sides are talking to get that accomplished.