By Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY
The Major League Players Association on Monday considered MLB’s latest offer a “step backwards” that proposed a 76-game season while guaranteeing players 50% of their prorated pay with the opportunity of earning 75% of their salaries if there is a postseason, two people with direct knowledge of the offer told USA TODAY Sports.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly with the negotiations ongoing.
The proposal, which was first reported in a tweet by ESPN broadcaster Karl Ravech, would also eliminate draft pick compensation in free agency, which would buoy free agency this winter, while also including postseason pool money.
MLB originally proposed an 82-game season with a sliding scale that would require the highest-paid players to take the biggest pay cuts. It was swiftly rejected by the union two weeks ago. The union’s last proposal was for a 114-game season with the players receiving their full salaries.
If no agreement is reached, MLB believes it has the right to implement a 48-to-54-game schedule that will pay players their full prorated salary under their March 26 agreement.
