Chris and Stephen debate whether the MLB players look worse for not getting a deal done. 2:34
A source told Jeff Passan that Dan Halem and Bruce Meyer will have a one-on-one meeting on Thursday.
The meeting between Halem and Meyer, the lead negotiators for both parties, would be the first time the sides have talked since MLB canceled the first week of regular-season games Tuesday.
The first two series for each of the 30 teams were canceled because of the inability of owners and players to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. There were a total of 91 games erased.
After nine days of talks in Florida, negotiators headed home Wednesday after the breakdown at the Tuesday deadline for a deal to preserve opening day. When the sides would meet next was not clear at the time.
The contention is caused by more than pure numbers. The union calls the number of rebuilding clubs "tanking" and accuses teams of widespread service-time manipulation.
The size and format of the playoffs have become divisive, but the luxury tax may be the most difficult issue. In the next three seasons, the tax threshold would be raised from $210 million to $220 million.
A higher threshold would likely lead to more spending by teams such as the New York Yankees.
The only mechanism in the agreement that is designed to promote some semblance of competitive balance would be weakened by a significantly increased tax threshold, according to Manfred.
The last labor contract included surtaxes to discourage high spending, which players are unhappy with.
The report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
