Major League Baseball proposed delaying the implementation of a salary cap until the 2028 season as the current collective bargaining agreement approaches its Dec. 1 expiration.
“With free agency already underway, and recognizing that clubs will need a full offseason to operate within the cap and floor system, MLB is proposing to phase in the salary cap and floor in 2028,” MLB wrote on social media Tuesday.
“The projected cap and floor payrolls for 2028 would make 12 clubs increase payroll by $636M to reach the floor, and 8 clubs to decrease payroll $528M to reach the cap. Overall, this would net a $108M payroll increase.
“Starting in 2028 would allow a smoother transition into the cap and floor system without delaying key player benefits.”
MLB Players Association interim executive director Bruce Meyer strongly rebuked the proposal.
“For generations, our members have fought against cap systems because they harm players at all levels, erode or eliminate contractual guarantees, pit player against player, lead to more work stoppages, not less, and get worse for players over time. Caps don’t lower ticket prices for fans, eliminate tanking or ensure teams are run with equal competence. They suffocate competition by offering owners an all-purpose excuse for inaction and mediocrity.”
The $258.2 million cap and $180.2 million floor that the league proposed for 2028 in a meeting with the union Tuesday were higher than the original targets (245.3 million and $171.2 million, respectively).
Should the salary cap and floor be implemented, the following teams would need to increase their payroll: the Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.
The teams that would need to lower their payroll are the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.
A lockout is expected should no agreement be reached when the current collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1.