As we enter what should have been the second weekend of MLB Spring Training games, a number of things happened Friday that I wanted to update you on this morning.
First, there’s this rumored proposal:
Sources: As the two sides look to jump-start the CBA talks, the union has approached MLB with an offer to re-open talks on the 14-team postseason field, with the idea it can exchange this for more flexibility on the CBT numbers and other issues.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 4, 2022
While this might be a good idea on the part of the players, giving MLB something it truly wants in exchange for something the MLBPA truly wants, there’s this caution:
Thing about going from 12 to 14 teams… beyond the particulars of teams backing in, and potential to *not* invest in winning when they can slide in, there’s this:
Expanded playoffs is the MLBPA’s one true bargaining chip.