The MLBPA made its latest proposal Tuesday, dropping the number of games from 114 to 89 while maintaining the option for expanded playoffs this season and next. It was a big step toward the middle ground, but owners are expected to reject it with little to no debate. The biggest hurdles are money and time, both of which dictate the league’s motives.
Full prorated pay over 89 games comes to a little over $2.3 billion in player compensation, about $800 million more than owners are willing to shell out. As the league’s proposals have made very clear, the threshold for payroll is around $1.