Spring Training Delayed As Union "Underwhelmed" At MLB Proposals

 

Pitchers and catchers were supposed to be reporting this week. And Wednesday was supposed to be the "official" start of spring training, we can safely say now that it will be delayed. 

The owners' latest proposal in collective bargaining talks on the weekend left union officials "underwhelmed". There were very minor movements on the main financial sticking points, and, according to Evan Drellich of The Athletic, players "plan to discuss how to respond."

In addition to slight improvements in the "pre-arbitration pool" (there is still a major gulf between the sides in the dollar amounts), and marginal increases in luxury tax thresholds, the owners also discussed with the players the calendar and the regular season, "expressly outlining when a deal would be needed by to begin the regular season on time."

No word on that exact timeline, though commissioner Rob Manfred had already suggested that a 4-week spring training would be needed before the season could start. That's about two weeks left of negotiating to avoid a delay of Opening Day. 

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports