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After three months of negotiations that culminated in absolutely nothing and wasted numerous days that could have been included in the 2020 regular season, the MLB now plans to implement a 60-game season that is expected to begin around July 24. Unfortunately, before we can officially mark that date on our calendar, two more boxes still need to be checked.
Major League Baseball has asked the MLB Players Association if players can report to camp by July 1 and will sign off on health-and-safety protocols. The union has been asked to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2020
In other words: MLB is planning on a season.
The players must sign off on a health-and-safety protocol and commit to arriving at home stadiums by the first of the month to begin preparations for the seasons, according ESPN and their sources.
After the player’s union voted to reject the latest 60-game proposal made by the owners last week, the current plan is being implemented underneath the March 26 agreement that allows the owners to impose a length of schedule of their choosing. The regular season cutoff date is currently set on September 27.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers, there’s nothing set to stand in the way of MLB returning on the intended dates.
“Multiple players told ESPN that they expect to agree to the league’s call to report by July 1 and to its health-and-safety protocol, with executive subcommittee member Andrew Miller telling ESPN, “We are ready to get back on the field.”
As I’ve learned over the last three months, never, ever, ever, ever think MLB and the MLBPA are close to anything until the ink is dry on an agreement. Health-and-safety issues could cause a snag, and the whole thing could cascade. But the optimism and motivation are both there.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2020