MLB Spokesman Says Players Association Moved 'Backwards' with Newest CBA Proposal

Major League Baseball isn't happy with the union's latest proposal

An MLB spokesman said Sunday that the Players Association went backwards on some issues with its latest proposal and that the two sides are deadlocked.

Hannah Keyser @HannahRKeyser

Statement from MLB spokesperson Glen Caplin regarding today’s proposal.

In terms of “moving backwards” the league feels that the union discussed possible movement on Monday in Florida in areas like pre-arb bonus pool that was not reflected in the proposal today. pic.twitter.com/lXFwezGQ4P

The MLBPA said it has already made major concessions.

Bob Nightengale @BNightengale

The union disputes MLB's characterization, saying major concessions have already been made on its side:No Super 2 Class expansionNo reduction of revenue sharingNo elimination of non-monetary CBT penalties.

Accepted uniform patches, decals, a pitch clock, and expanded playoffs

Jon Heyman was added to the MLB Network.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Players union agreed to allow MLB to ban shifts, implement a pitch clock and make bases larger in 2023, subject to those agreements fitting into a total deal. Union also rejected Robo umps for ‘22/‘23. MLB goal: to be able to streamline the process and add excitement ti the game.

According to Jesse Rogers, a $5 million reduction in the pre-arbitration bonus pool was included in the latest proposal from the MLBPA. Changes to the proposal were not included.

MLB and the union are not close to each other. The union has a threshold for the luxury tax that starts at $238 million and ends at $263 million. The offer starts at $220 million and goes up to $230 million over five years.

According to Rogers, the union is asking for $80 million for the pre-arbitration pool. $30 million was offered by the league.

The two sides are expected to meet again soon. They could meet as soon as Monday in New York.

MLB canceled regular-season games through the first two series of 2022. The season could be delayed until mid-April due to more cancelations, according to Nightengale.

In 1994-95, the last time there was a work stopgap, MLB had a work stopgap. The World Series was canceled in 1994 because of a strike.