MLB proposes new 76-game scenario for regular season

On Monday, Major League Baseball offered a new updated proposal to the Players Association that includes a 76-game regular season. In the new deal, players would receive 75% of their prorated salaries and there’d be a $200 million postseason pool. It’s also noted that the postseason would end no later than Oct. 31.

In a recent article on ESPN, MLB writers Jesse Rogers, Bradford Doolittle, and David Schoenfield answers a number of questions regarding the new deal for those looking to make sense of the proposal.

When asked of the chances the players accept this new deal, all three writers agreed that it’s highly-unlikely.

“(It’s) not likely, especially with the playoff caveat that would lower the amount if no postseason is played,” says Rogers. “The no draft pick compensation is a nice carrot, but that’s all it is. Bottom line: The players aren’t making that much more than from the 50-game possibility that exists.”

Without any tangible progress to be seen from this proposal, it still should be viewed in a positive light that the owners are continuing negotiations.

As fas far as sticking points, Rogers thinks the numbers surrounding the prorated salaries will continue to be one of the bigger variables in this situation.

“For one, the playoff caveat that says players would only get 50% of their prorated salary if the postseason is canceled. It’s going to be hard enough to convince them to take 75% if the postseason is played. From the start, players haven’t wavered from the idea they believe they agreed to a full, pay-per-game proration of their 2020 salary.”

For this 76-game idea to work, the regular season would have to start no later than the first week of July, according to the group of writers.

“If you’re going by the middle of July, you’re fine if you add some doubleheaders, and you could push it back even a little more than that if you want to cut out most off days,” exclaims Doolittle. “But Dave and Jesse are right — you want to be going by July 7-10 or so to keep the slate from becoming too dense.”

There’s just so much in the air and it’s going to be tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While I do think baseball happens in 2020, the longer they continue to negotiate then the less game there will be to play. As fans, we would vote “heck yes” to more games every single time.

What are all of your thoughts on the current negotiations between players and owners? Who needs to compromise? Let’s talk about it.

Also, I thought this tweet was hilarious regarding the latest proposal: