Major League Baseball has not come to an agreement regarding the 2020 season, and Commissioner Rob Manfred will likely intervene. The Major League Baseball Players’ Association (MLBPA) has voted 33-5 against accepting the latest proposal for a 2020 season.
Players union leaders vote 33-5 to reject MLB framework/proposal. Ball is in the commissioner’s hands now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 22, 2020
The MLBPA has released a statement following the meeting and vote and rejection of the latest proposal:
The Major League Baseball Players Association today released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/1OnFBsoEjd
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 22, 2020
The ball is in the hands of Commissioner Manfred now, who will have to either unilaterally implement a 2020 season or cancel it. This seems like it could be an easy decision for Manfred, given that the goal is to have baseball in 2020; however, this is not so easy.
Manfred will have to outweigh the pushback from the MLBPA, the dismay from the MLB Owners, as well as the rising fear and statistics from the second wave of COVID-19. Frankly, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some of Major League Baseball’s biggest markets should make fans worrisome about Manfred and his decision.
Things are not going to be easy, but given the league’s initial agreement from back in March, there is still a chance to see baseball in 2020. Things seem to be trending in a negative direction, but the league seemed to be working on making strides within the negotiations.
Manfred had reached out to MLBPA director Tony Clark with one last “sweetener” before the initial vote scheduled for Sunday, July 21st, regarding the expanded playoffs and universal DH rule changes. It was initially supposed to take place for the 2021 season but was offered to be pushed back, given the circumstances.
For now, it will be a waiting game to see what Commissioner Rob Manfred decides is best for the league between the owners and players.
