MLB and the MLBPA are set to meet today in hopes of reaching a deal to end the lockout.
The first two series of the 2022 regular season have been wiped off the schedule, effectively shortening the season, or so we thought.
MLB believes that if they reach a deal today, then the 162-game season can be saved and the games that were lost can be tacked onto the end of the season.
This is the second official meeting between the two sides since negotiations fell apart in Jupiter last week, and the owners’ side is seemingly prepared to make another concession.
Huge day in baseball. Deadline No. 3. MLB told the players union if they can do deal today they can still play 162 games; if not, a 2nd week may be lost. MLB suggested a rise in luxury tax threshold to $228M, But details haven’t surfaced and players say there’s still work to do.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2022
Will It End Today?
Obviously, there are still plenty of hoops to jump through, but the owners had previously been unwilling to raise the luxury tax threshold.
$228 million is almost right in the middle of what the two sides had been seeking individually.
The owners wanted to keep it at $220 million, while the players sought an increase up to $238 million.
But before people get their hopes up, it should be noted that it seemed like the two sides were close last week to finalizing a deal, and it was not reached in time to meet the deadline set by the owners.
At the same time, it’s good to see that the owners have seemingly made a concession, and a big one at that.
How To End The Lockout
What’s needed for this lockout to end is a compromise from each side.
The only way for this to end is for the two sides to meet in the middle.
Sunday’s meeting provided little hope, but today is a big day in terms of negotiations.
The owners have set yet another deadline, and if a deal is struck before then, we could still have a full season.
If not, it’s very likely more games will be cancelled.
