ESPN.com · Feb 6, 2019
Sources: MLB and players discussing rule changes that could alter game
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are discussing potentially drastic changes to the on-field game and economic landscape of the sport in the middle of a collective-bargaining agreement, a significant departure from the past that speaks to the chasm between the parties but represents a thaw in the chill that has divided the sides, sources familiar with the talks told ESPN.
Dueling proposals from MLB on Jan. 14 and the union Friday covered a wide range of topics, according to sources, including:
A three-batter minimum for pitchers.
A universal designated hitter.
A single trade deadline before the All-Star break.
A 20-second pitch clock.