One of the many dominoes to fall during the coronavirus pandemic is the suspension of major sports leagues across the world. Major League Baseball (MLB) was in the middle of spring training as the pandemic rulings struck, suspending the season until further notice. The question everyone is asking is simple: When will baseball season start? We have the latest, so here are the latest updates on when America’s pastime will resume play in 2020. Baseball is back!
Baseball is Back! MLB Starts in Late July
It has finally happened. Baseball is back! Opening Day is set for late July, and camp is set to open in early July. This has been a monumental soap opera, but the series has finally ended with good news. Baseball is coming back, and there will be a 60-game season. Here are more details:
Opening Day: July 23 or 24
Season: 60 games
Location: Home ballparks
Health and safety: "MLB's foremost priorities" pic.twitter.com/PWOu9GolDh
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 24, 2020
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MLB Opening Day – July 23
Today is the day! #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/KBRliDzx6Q
— Daily MLB Lineups (@DailyMLBLineup) July 23, 2020
We made it! After a tough four months without baseball, MLB (and major sports) return on July 23rd. Baseball is officially back, and we could not be more excited. For MLB betting, props, odds and more check out our MLB odds page.
MLB Betting Percentages are Back – Public on the Reds
With online sports betting ready to pop-off in Illinois VERY soon, the #Cubs at +250 are seeing 34% of the bets to win the NL Central @DKSportsbook #MLB pic.twitter.com/I8q3Gmngdy
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) July 21, 2020
In the latest information provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, we can see MLB betting splits. That means one thing…baseball is back! With opening day just a few days away, we have finally hit the final stretch. Baseball is returning, and the public loves betting on the Reds at +300, and with sports betting in Chicago, the Cubs are being bet on with 34% of the tickets.
MLB Prop Bets Released for the 2020 Season
MLB season prop bets provide potential value like we have never seen before with a 60 game season.
Fox Bet Season Home Run Leader Odds:
Rhys Hoskins at 40-1 hitting in CBP has my attention…. he is a streaky hitter who could roll thru Aug/Sep. pic.twitter.com/QgKVr1xNp3
— Jason Ziernicki 🎲🏈➡️💰 (@jziernick) July 10, 2020
Baseball betting is back! Well, prop betting, at least. At FOXBet Sportsbook, MLB props for the upcoming season are ready to go. As you can see, you can wager on who will lead the MLB in home runs for the shortened season. Pete Alonso, Joey Gallo, and Mike Trout lead at +1000, but other players have some interesting lines as well such as Christian Yelich at +2500.
MLB Opening Night Lines and Odds Posted
#MLB Opening Night lines begin to fill in as we cautiously approach a season as we have never seen before.
➡️ https://t.co/aIx0gGjwiW #Yankees #Nats #Dodgers #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/QeEmUgikg2
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) July 8, 2020
What a sight for sore eyes. Baseball odds are back. With baseball just a few weeks away, lines are starting to form which means one thing…baseball betting! We’ve gone all spring and summer without the ability to wager on live baseball in the states, but that seems to be coming to an end. Get ready for MLB wagering, it’s coming soon.
Which MLB Players are Opting Out? Updated Corona Tracker
Tracking Which Players Are Opting Out of 2020 #MLB Seasonhttps://t.co/JazYMafF6C pic.twitter.com/mzUkkm9QDt
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) July 8, 2020
With the new policies of coronavirus, players are opting out for various reasons and will not participate in the 2020 MLB season. We keep you updated, so be sure to stay tuned as more players will be added as news breaks. Check out our opt-out tracker, here.
MLB Players Frustrated With Testing Problems
Here’s the statement from the league on the testing issues. Regardless of the reasons behind them, when players are speaking up the way they have today, there is trust to win back. The only way to do that is button up the protocol and ensure nothing like this happens again. pic.twitter.com/wgYgrHzYDd
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 6, 2020
MLB players have spoken up about testing, and how it’s taken awhile to get results which has led to camps closing. This needs to be ratified, as mentioned in the tweet above. After a long process, any snags are not good for either party.
MLB Schedule Release on July 6th
#MLB 2020 schedule will be announced tonight on MLB Tonight on MLB Network at 6pm EST.
60-game season starts on Thursday, July 23
— Jason Ziernicki 🎲🏈➡️💰 (@jziernick) July 6, 2020
The words “MLB schedule release” has never felt better to read or write. With the schedule being released on Monday, July 6th…it is a great step in the right direction towards baseball officially returning to play. Who will the Houston Astros play on Opening Day? Will the Yankees play the Red Sox right away? We will see tonight!
The 60-game 2020 MLB season schedule is out and you can see the entire calendar for every team right here: https://t.co/yNfDYO0dBH
— Dan Mullen (@DanMullen_ESPN) July 6, 2020
MLB Workouts Begin as Coronavirus Positives Announced
Today is an important day for baseball in 2020. Yes, it’s the first day of workouts, but it’s also the first reveal of coronavirus positives in MLB, and the reactions will be litmus tests for the sport as it moves ahead with its season. Column at ESPN: https://t.co/BgJMZ4L1Sb
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 3, 2020
The day before Independence Day is an important one for Major League Baseball, for a few reasons. First, the positives (well, the good positives). MLB workouts will begin on July 3rd, which is great news as we move towards a MLB season. The bad news will be it is the first day of MLB coronavirus positive tests being announced. Let’s hope for the best, but there is no doubt at least some players will test positive. It is inevitable.
MLB Returns with a Trade – Padres and Athletics Agree on Mateo Deal
Here’s how you know baseball is back: We’ve got a trade — and a player to be named later!
The San Diego Padres are acquiring middle infielder Jorge Mateo from the Oakland A’s for a PTBNL, sources tell me and @kileymcd.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 30, 2020
Is there anything better than seeing baseball trades to confirm that the MLB will be back in July? The Padres and Athletics made a very small deal in the grand scheme of things, but the fact that an actual trade happened means one thing…baseball is back! The Padres are adding some serious speed to their roster with Jorge Mateo from the A’s, and will send back a player-to-be-named later.
MLB Players to Opt-Out: Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond and more.
Confirmed #MLB season opt-outs:
• Ryan Zimmerman
• Joe Ross
• Mike Leake
• Ian DesmondMore expected today
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) June 30, 2020
This is an unfortunate reality of the situation, but players will be opting out based on external or internal factors to stay healthy for their families. For example, Ryan Zimmerman shared in a tweet from CAA Baseball:
— CAA Baseball (@CAA_Baseball) June 29, 2020
The Rockies’ Ian Desmond has opted out of the 2020 season, but that feels secondary to a heartfelt, incisive Instagram post about his place in the world and baseball’s as well. The whole post is here: https://t.co/rLnOu3CP2k.
But the part I’ve attached is important and spot-on. pic.twitter.com/ndyE6juKbp
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 30, 2020
Blue Jays Will Play MLB Games in Toronto in 2020
Blue Jays get clearance to return to Canada, will play all 2020 home games in Toronto, per report https://t.co/C13NKD8W4a
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) June 29, 2020
With Canada’s regulations on travel to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, this was something that was up in the air. With this news, this allows for baseball to be played in Canada in 2020 as the Toronto Blue Jays will host their games at home, as planned. The Rogers Centre will be the home of all Blue Jays home games, as opposed to the Blue Jays playing elsewhere (such as their spring training site).
With MLB Back, Futures Betting Ramps Up
National League MVP Betting Odds: Will A Former MVP Win It Again in a Short Season?https://t.co/zN6Iw5g32Q #MLB pic.twitter.com/FwPRUCsbYp
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) June 25, 2020
With news that MLB is back with their 60-game season as detailed above, it is very important to note that MLB futures betting is ready to go. With NL MVP odds ready to go, be sure to take a glance and bet your MLB futures at DraftKings Sportsbook.
There is Life: MLB to “Implement” and Plan a 2020 Season
Major League Baseball has asked the MLB Players Association if players can report to camp by July 1 and will sign off on health-and-safety protocols. The union has been asked to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
In other words: MLB is planning on a season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2020
This seems to be the final stretch. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has “implemented” a 60-game season, based on an earlier agreement in March that allows the MLB to do so in case another agreement did not come to fruition. There is a lot to unpack, but the main part of the implemented season is that the players still have their right to file a grievance, and that a season would start in late July on a 60-game schedule. Jeff Passan said it best here though…
As I’ve learned over the last three months, never, ever, ever, ever think MLB and the MLBPA are close to anything until the ink is dry on an agreement. Health-and-safety issues could cause a snag, and the whole thing could cascade. But the optimism and motivation are both there.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2020
No Universal DH when MLB Returns?
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred sent a letter to MLBPA executive director Tony Clark today offering to cancel expanded playoffs and universal DH for 2021 if a full season isn’t played in 2020, sources tell ESPN. Players are concerned about giving up leverage of playoffs for naught.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 21, 2020
On Father’s Day, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred contacted Tony Clark with a potential proposal that may help in negotiations. Is this too little, too late? Stay tuned for a Monday update, as there is a high chance we see more baseball news on June 22nd.
MLB Camps Testing Positive for COVID-19
Oh boy…. #MLB https://t.co/nqSMV4YaRJ
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) June 19, 2020
This is another hurdle in getting MLB to return, as players, coaches, and staff will undoubtedly test positive. Maintaining distance and taking preventative measures is tough for professional sports, especially when there is contact with trainers and more. Hopefully this can be maintained and the positive tests can decline, so baseball can return.
MLB Players are Ready to Play Baseball
Tell us when and where! We are ready!
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) June 16, 2020
Rob Manfred and the owners are walking back on their word…AGAIN. The fans do not deserve this. So I’ll say it one more time, tell us when and where.
— Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) June 16, 2020
Enough is enough. It seems some players have had it, and have expressed via social media their discontent with the ongoing talks. Players are certainly blaming the commissioner and the owners, but some marquee names have become very outspoken. From Max Scherzer to Anthony Rizzo to Alex Bregman, it is clear the players are ready to play.
Been ready
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) June 16, 2020
MLB Issues Response to MLB Players Association
Major League Baseball has issued a statement in response to the MLB Players Association asking the league to set a schedule for the 2020 season rather that continue discussions on a return-to-play scenario. pic.twitter.com/a27ODsmplQ
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 14, 2020
Players vs. Owners. Owners vs. Players. When will it end? Baseball has truly blown a terrific opportunity to have all of the sports world focused on its product. If baseball is to be resumed this season, there is still likely to be an issue before the next CBA comes up. As of mid-June, it is most likely that a 48-game season will come about.
MLB To Counter with 70-Game Season?
Sources tell me MLB counter proposal today will move towards a season of roughly 70 plus games with a salary percentage on the 80-85 percent of pro rata. Playoff pool bonus. My concern are the recent spikes in COVID -19. Worst case would be to start and stop. Will players move?
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) June 12, 2020
And here we go. Assuming Karl Ravech’s sources are right and it is a 70-game season with a 80-85% prorated salary, will the players accept? This is not as much of a move that was anticipated earlier in June, so the trend would lead us to believe the players will not cave and we will have yet another round. Stay tuned for more updates.
MLB Commissioner Says “We will play MLB this year.”
Rob Manfred to @karlravechespn: "I'll tell you unequivocally: We will play Major League Baseball this year."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 10, 2020
Coming late on June 10th was some very good news. The MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was quoted in saying directly: “I’ll tell you unequivocally: We will play Major League Baseball this year”. This is the best news of this saga so far, but we still do not know just how many games will be played, when that will be ratified, and more. The good news is, it looks like there will be baseball in some way, shape, or form in 2020.
MLBPA Proposes 89-Game Season, MLB Would Start on July 10
The MLBPA is making a proposal to MLB for a season of around 89 games with a full prorated share of salary and expanded playoffs, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN. It would bring the sides closer to a potential deal and is ~25 games under the last union offer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 9, 2020
The latest in what has become a massive bargaining war has its most recent chapter. The MLBPA has proposed an 89-game season, that includes a full pro-rated salary, expanded playoffs, and more. If this were to somehow be agreed to, the season would start on July 10th per Jesse Rogers.
Eighty nine game season proposed by players would start on July 10 and end on Oct. 11, per a source. Includes expanded postseason for 2020 AND 2021.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 9, 2020
Good news is certainly a positive step forward, so let’s hope this is a trend rather than a detriment.
2020 MLB Season Hopeful Again
Players plan to reject the 76-game proposal, but MLB is ‘increasingly likely to be played in 2020,’ per @Ken_Rosenthal, @EvanDrellich pic.twitter.com/4TkiDix12h
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) June 9, 2020
Despite the MLBPA rejecting the 76-game proposal offered by the owners on June 8th, there is still heavy optimism that baseball will be played. The length of the season is the question mark, given that has to be agreed upon. What seems most likely as of June 9th, 2020 is that there will be a 50-game MLB season, given the MLB feels strongly about the ability to have that as a “backup” plan if there are no agreed upon changes. Will there be baseball in 2020? It seems likely.
MLB Proposes New Deal, Too Little Too Late?
MLB has made proposal to Players. 75 percent Prorated salary. 76 game season. Playoff pool money. No draft pick compensation for signing player. Season finishes September 27th. Post season ends at end of October. Significant move towards players demands and effort to play more.
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) June 8, 2020
First thing Monday morning usually brings action items, and that is exactly what Major League Baseball pushed to the Players Association to resume play. MLB offered the following:
- 75% Prorated Salaries
- 76-Game Season
- 9/27 final regular season game
- Postseason ends in October
On the surface, this seems like a much better deal which would lead to progress. Jeff Passan broke it down in another way in a very important thread.
Original offer: 82 games, players receive $1.03B in salary and $200M if playoffs are played.
Current offer: 76 games, players receive $989M in salary and $443M if playoffs are played, plus no direct draft-pick compensation.
48-game option: $1.03B in salary, no playoff money
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 8, 2020
MLBPA’s Tony Clark Responds – Players Want to Play
Here is Tony Clark's full statement after the MLBPA's leadership meeting today. pic.twitter.com/JRYaddbQSU
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 5, 2020
With the NBA returning, the NHL resuming playoff style, and other sports on track as well…this is a bad look for baseball. Tony Clark detailed that in the latest MLBPA leadership meeting, calling the MLB’s response somewhat of a “threat”. If there is baseball in 2020, it does not look like there will be a tremendous response on either side. Not good.
MLB Rejects MLBPA’s 114-Game Season Proposal
MLB rejected the union’s proposal for a 114-game season and said it would not send a counter, sources tell The Athletic. The league said it has started talks with owners about playing a shorter season without fans, and that it is ready to discuss additional ideas with the union.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 3, 2020
This is like an ever-lasting soap opera. The latest is that the MLB has rejected the players’ offer for a 114-game season. That is not even the worst of it, as Ken Rosenthal has reported that the MLB will not even send a counter. What does this mean? As you can see below, there are reports that a 50-game season would be most likely in the event that no agreement has been met. While baseball seems likely to happen, it is not good for the sport for all this back and forth.
MLB to Have 50-Game Season if No Agreement Met? League Believes So
News at @espn: If Major League Baseball and the players can't come to an agreement on a return-to-play deal, the league has discussed implementing a season in the 50-game range and paying players full prorated salaries. On the latest twist in negotiations: https://t.co/qFNgat86hh
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2020
A crazy twist in the players vs. owners saga of MLB negotiating could result in a 50-game season, as Jeff Passan reported. Here is an update:
- Players asked for 114 games
- MLB asked for 50 games
- The middle is 82 games, which is nearly half of a full MLB season.
The MLB has said they would pay prorated salaries for the 50-game season, and that was something the MLB believes they are in the right to do given the previous agreement in the beginning of the crisis. This has become an incredibly interesting story to follow.
MLBPA Offers Proposal to Begin Baseball on June 30th
The MLBPA delivered a proposal to MLB on Sunday afternoon, a source familiar with it tells ESPN. It includes 114-game season that would end October 31, the right to opt out of the season for all players and potential deferral of salaries if 2020 the postseason were canceled.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2020
The MLBPA sent a proposal to the MLB on the final day of May that includes a ton of details. Here is what was included:
- 114 Game Season
- Season Ends on 10/31
- Players Have Right to Opt Out of Season
- Potential Deferral of Salaries if Postseason Cancelled
In addition, there were some other details that are quite important, from Jeff Passan:
For the players opting out: those who are considered "high-risk" would receive salary, whereas others would receive service time only.
Further, players would receive $100 million total advance during the new spring training.
Also: MLBPA proposes two years of playoff expansion.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2020
Given that June has already begun, a lot has to happen in a limited amount fo time for this to happen. June 30th is just four weeks away.
Important note from the MLBPA's proposal. It has a season start date of June 30. Players want three weeks for training. Bake in a few days to travel to cities — domestically and from around the world — and for coronavirus testing. The point: a deal needs to get done this week.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2020
MLB Players Will Not Agree to Salary Concessions
The Major League Baseball Players Association plans to send a proposal with economic terms to MLB by the end of the week, sources familiar with the discussion told ESPN. As @Max_Scherzer tweeted, the players do not plan to make any salary concessions.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 28, 2020
As Max Scherzer tweeted on Wednesday May 27th, it seems MLB players will not agree to further salary cuts, as they have been advised that the prorated salaries are the way to go. That has been agreed to, but the owners seem to want drastic cuts as seen below. As Jeff Passan mentions above, the MLBPA will have another proposal over to the MLB and its owners by the end of May. Hopefully, good news comes of that.
MLB Return in Doubt with Latest MLB Proposal
Sources: Under MLB proposal to players, a player making $35 mil in 2020 would make about $7.8 mil. A player making 10 mil would get about 2.9 mil and a player making a mil would make $434k.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 26, 2020
This is not good. The MLB has asked its top players to take heavy pay cuts of nearly 75%. As you can see in the Jesse Rogers tweet, a player making $35M in 2020 would have to take a cut to about $7.8M. Given that players will still be playing half the season (plus playoffs) in the latest proposal, it is to no one’s surprise that the players are not happy with this proposal. Not good news for MLB’s return to play, that’s for sure. The ball is in the player’s and owners hands for MLB to return, but that will not happen if neither side can agree for a return to play.
Sports Can Return in New Jersey, Says Governor Murphy
UPDATE: Professional sports teams in NJ may return to training and even competition – if their leagues choose to move in that direction. We have been in constant discussions with teams about necessary protocols to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, and personnel. pic.twitter.com/yMrCFtSyqY
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 26, 2020
Another state is set to allow sports! New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy tweeted on Tuesday morning, May 26 that if “leagues choose to move in that direction”, the state will be available to have training and competition in the state. This would mean quite a few teams would be allowed to participate. What is interesting is teams in the nearby area may be able to use New Jersey as a place to play if their state does not allow. With that being said, New Jersey is just the latest state along a growing list that will allow professional sports leagues to resume without fans for the time being.
MLB Owners to Meet with Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday May 26
BREAKING—@MLB owners sked 1pm meeting Tues w @RobManfred for new economic plan to be presented to @MLB_PLAYERS. Details sketchy on how owners will tweak 50 50 rev split for 2020 pandemic shortened season. That said we will know in days whether there will be a season @FoxBusiness
— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) May 24, 2020
Is this one of the final hurdles? MLB owners have a 1 PM meeting with the commissioner of baseball, as they look to give the MLBPA an economic plan to resume baseball in 2020. This seems to be one of the final hurdles to the negotiations between the players and owners, but it is certainly a large one. With Memorial Day on May 25th, this meeting will certainly spur some news in the last week of May. Keep an eye on the news after the meeting concludes.
MLB Season to Start Soon? Momentum Grows After MLBPA Response
The MLBPA’s response should represent a step forward in negotiations with the league on striking a broader deal for baseball to return. While there remains a chasm with regards to pay, the shared interest of health and safety should provide groundwork for further discussions.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 21, 2020
With more and more states open to allowing professional sports teams to participate in games without fans, all of the attention is on the players and the league. Can the MLB and MLBPA come to an agreement so baseball can return to play soon? As Jeff Passan reported on twitter, this is a big step. Given that the players’ response has happened, the next step of negotiating can occur. Nothing is imminent, but it is clear that both sides would like to resume play as soon as possible for the 2020 MLB season.
MLB to Return in Three Phases When Ready
MLB is working under a 3 phase scenario for when they return:
Phase 1: Individual and small groups
Phase 2: Large group workouts/Intra-squad games
Phase 3: Spring training games https://t.co/LLa7OVWptB
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 20, 2020
Per Bobby Marks on Twitter, the MLB will be working a three-phase scenario that is consistent with other re-openings across the US. The first phase is individual and small groups, likely limited to players and some staff. Then will be large group workouts, which is the players and coaches and trainers. Finally, spring training will resume in the third phase. When the MLB is ready to return, these three steps and monitoring players will be the most essential part of the return to play. With states such as California, New York, and Texas set to allow pro sports in June, baseball returning is trending up!
States Allow Pro Sports to Return in June – Sports Return Soon?
New York, Texas, California Pro Sports Set To Return in Junehttps://t.co/FIpdFH792m pic.twitter.com/WJj7POg9Ot
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) May 18, 2020
Following New York, Texas and California will be many other states. These states are seen as “leaders” in many facets of industry, and when they decide to act one way, other states follow. This is great news for the return of sports. Arizona has already said they will allow sports, as will Florida. The good news continue to trickle in, as we could see sports return very soon in the US.
New York Sports to Come Back Soon?
New York Gov. Cuomo says he has been encouraging pro sports teams in the state to "plan reopenings without fans." Follow live updates: https://t.co/CxEI9Ri3IV pic.twitter.com/smRiXCr6hD
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 18, 2020
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said that he has been encouraging the professional teams in the state of New York to “plan reopenings” without fans. While this seems obvious at this point, it is a clear intention that they expect for sports to resume sooner rather than later in the state of New York. When the ban is lifted for sports to resume, there seems to be a plan in the state of New York. This means the New York Mets and New York Yankees would be able to play at home in 2020 for the MLB season.
Upon Return, MLB Players Will Be Tested for COVID-19 Often
Manfred says players will be tested multiple times a week. Also, temp checks and symptom analysis.
A positive test won't necessarily lead to a 14 day quarantine for entire team.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 15, 2020
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said on a release with the press that MLB players will be tested multiple times per week upon the MLB returning, which will also include temperature monitoring and other medical checks to ensure players do not experience symptoms. What is key from the Jesse Rogers tweet above is that a positive test will not mean a quarantine for the entire team, initially. This is a big part of the MLB returning, as it is of optimal importance to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, and staff while also preventing the spread of the virus.
Passan Reports Both Sides Want to Play in 2020
Nothing about MLB and the MLBPA’s talks Tuesday changed the calculus in any negotiation right now: Both parties have far too much to lose to allow something as solvable as money to wreck a season. Talked more about it with @Espngreeny on @GetUpESPN this morning. pic.twitter.com/YvrDcoVsMA
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 13, 2020
This tweet sums it up from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “Both parties have far too much to lose” is the truest statement throughout negotiations. With the understanding that a deal will get done at some point, that means we should have baseball in 2020. The problem is, will the states allow for baseball to be played at everyone’s home stadium? Will there be fans? Or will a neutral site like Arizona be the landing spot for the MLB in the short term? Time will tell.
Major League Baseball in Arizona? State Governor to Allow Major Sports
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has opened the door for professional sports to return to the state. https://t.co/8po5IvE3pv
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) May 13, 2020
Arizona is open for “major league sports” to return to play on May 16th, if desired. Arizona’s governor Doug Ducey announced changes to the states plan to re-open amidst coronavirus concerns with a bombshell of news that sports can be played without fans in Arizona on May 16th. Does this open the floodgates for the MLB to return in Arizona? Of course, the MLB and MLBPA would have to come to an agreement but we do know there are plenty of baseball stadiums in Arizona due to spring training facilities that would allow for a centralized location should the MLB resume. This is a major development for all sports to resume, but especially for Major League Baseball.
MLB Proposal to be Shot Down by Players?
MLB revenue-sharing plan is a nonstarter for the players’ association. Union head Tony Clark: “A system that restricts player pay based on revenues is a salary cap, period.” Story with @EvanDrellich: https://t.co/4TXrKHAMhF
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2020
Baseball has long been a sport without a salary cap. This is much different than counterparts like the NFL, NBA, and NHL, and it is why baseball salaries and contracts have risen to enormous heights in the last 15 years. Now during the pandemic, this will be quite a debate between the players and the owners, as the players see the MLB proposal as a salary cap. As Ken Rosenthal’s tweet says above, MLBPA union head Tony Clark says “A system that restricts player play based on revenues is a salary cap, period.” Is this a sign of bad things to come? Remember, the estimates are that the MLB would like to resume in June but collective bargaining has to be reached before then.
MLB Proposal Approved By Owners, In MLBPA Hands
MLB owners have approved a proposal for the 2020 season to present to the players’ union, source tells The Athletic. Meeting expected between union and league tomorrow.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2020
In the latest from the MLBPA and MLB’s “negotiating” for a MLB season resume, reports from Jeff Passan and ESPN have shown that the MLBPA board has health and compensation on the minds of players when baseball does in fact resume. St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller was quoted in the story talking about some worries the players have that include:
- If it is not safe for fans, why is it safe for players? There’s risk involved in this.
- If players are traveling, there is risk involved there as well.
In addition, a very interesting point that Miller makes is that because the MLB and MLBPA agreement involves no cap…the players are not tied to revenue like other leagues are. This is quite different, as there is a capitalistic manner of contracts and such despite league revenues decreasing during the pandemic.
With the MLB officially presenting a proposal to the players union, we should expect to see something soon.
MLB Teams Tell Players to Get Ready – Baseball Coming Soon?
Teams are telling players to get ready and get in shape. MLB is expected to send a return-to-play proposal to the union soon. The gears for baseball's return are starting to turn — but significant hurdles remain for it to become a reality. News at ESPN: https://t.co/fHiasxlS1A
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 7, 2020
The old saying is April showers bring May flowers. That certainly seems like a terrific metaphor for baseball’s prospects in early May, as positive momentum continues to roll in. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports, Major League Baseball is expected to offer a proposal to the MLBPA, after the MLBPA union publicly stated they will need a plan. This does not mean it is official, but with MLB teams letting players know to get ready and get into shape, it is quite clear what the next step would be assuming all goes well. Could we see baseball in the summer of 2020? It is certainly looking promising.
MLBPA Union Needs a Formal Plan Before Baseball Resumes
The MLB union wants to see a formal plan before players safely return to the field during the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after the league leaked a proposal to restart the league as soon as late June and allow each team to play in their home ballpark.https://t.co/4sXEQszMJw
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) May 6, 2020
Not so fast, says the MLBPA. The NY Daily News reports that the MLBPA has reserves about a possible return to the field amidst coronavirus concerns. Essentially, there is a long way to go in terms of any negotiations or agreements to return to the field as each state varies by rules and even Canada (where the Blue Jays play) has to be taken into account as well. The initial plan proposed Opening Day in July, but will that be the case? No one knows yet, but the MLBPA has publicly stated they need to see a plan before anyone returns to the field.
Former MLB Player Trevor Plouffe Reports July 1st Opening Day?
POSSIBLE BIG NEWS: 2020 Baseball season rumor floating around from a former #MLB player…..
⚾️Spring Training II = June 10th
⚾️Opening Day: July 1sthttps://t.co/9aVpb4s0ib
— Action Rush (@ActionRushBets) May 4, 2020
The latest report from former MLB player Trevor Plouffe says that MLB spring training could “start” on June 10th, with Opening Day coming on July 1st and teams “playing at their home ballparks”. Other baseball media members have reported hearing the same thing, while others have reported there is nothing concrete. While it may not be confirmed, it provides a bit of potential good news that we could see baseball back soon!
I received some incredible news on this as well. We will be discussing tomorrow morning on @610SportsKC Love to have you join us @trevorplouffe https://t.co/5F66Pv8TBF
— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) May 4, 2020
Minor League Season Has NOT Been Cancelled Despite Unconfirmed Reports
Contrary to reports, Major League Baseball has not canceled the Minor League Baseball season, according to a league spokesman.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 29, 2020
On the evening of April 29th, there were a lot of unconfirmed reports about baseball cancelling the minor league season. Those reports are unconfirmed, and not true per Jeff Passan. Some unverified reports have gone across social media, but until it is confirmed by a big-name reporter there is no need to speculate. While it seems believable, the MiLB season has not been cancelled as of April 30th.
MLB Return Plan, Three Divisions, 100 Regular Season Games?
MLB discussing plan to start season with three 10-team divisions, and expanded postseason, with hopes of playing in own home stadiums this summer. https://t.co/aHeNftRZhj
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 28, 2020
The latest from MLB writer Bob Nightengale shows that baseball could be adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, which would allow for a 2020 season to start and end with 100 games plus the playoffs. The report from Nightengale says that the MLB is very optimistic that baseball will resume in late June or early July and we will see at least 100 games plus the playoffs. How would this all work? The proposal has three divisions with 10 teams each, focusing on regions. Of course, this would drastically improve the ability to follow state regulations as it pertains to the coronavirus, and helps the logistical nightmare that is scheduling a professional baseball league. Wondering how the divisions could look? Here’s a peak:
Possible realignment structure for 2020 #MLB: West, Central, East divisions: pic.twitter.com/xhKjohOudW
— Daily MLB Lineups (@DailyMLBLineup) April 29, 2020
Jeff Passan Reports MLB Agrees There WILL be Baseball in 2020
At this point, almost everyone involved with the process agrees: There will be baseball in 2020. The details are the tricky part.
At ESPN, 20 Questions dives into the details — when, where, how — with a comprehensive look at what and who are driving it: https://t.co/qJfGNLerLW
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 27, 2020
The latest from ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that it is just a waiting game now, as there will be baseball in 2020. Directly from the ESPN article, Passan mentions that all involved with MLB decision-making have grown “increasingly optimistic” on baseball returning. This is certainly good news on the baseball front, but of course nothing is set in stone. Some states have reported wanting to wait very long, some have reported coming back soon in terms of full operations. Will baseball be played in specific areas in 2020? Time will tell, but good news in late April has certainly found its way through the baseball world.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Expects Baseball to Return in 2020
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred 'fully' expects baseball to return in 2020, report says https://t.co/KkmeTNK4AV
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) April 21, 2020
As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, baseball should return at some point in 2020! The direct quote from the MLB commissioner was “I fully anticipate baseball will return this season”. That is good news, as it comes after some teams reportedly will continue to pay their employees through the end of May. What’s interesting is some large market teams have not done so yet, but are expected to with the public pressure of smaller markets already taking care of their employees. When exactly will baseball return? No one truly knows, but when the leaders of baseball say they expect it to in 2020, that is great news.
New MLB Rules Proposed To Resume 2020 Baseball Season
In the latest from ESPN.com, the MLB and MLBPA have looked into an option that may allow for baseball to return as early as May in the state of Arizona. Some of the proposals seem crazy, but anything to have baseball back would be important to all parties involved. Some of these potential terms include:
- No mound visits.
- On-field microphones for TV viewers.
- Sitting in the stands six-feet apart, instead of in the player’s dugout.
- Two seven-inning games in a doubleheader, which would allow closer to a 162-game season.
A big one here also included an electronic strike zone, which would easily allow for better social distancing measures. There are many questions to be answered, but maybe this is a bit of good news in an otherwise bleak time.
California Doctor Says No Sports (MLB) Until Thanksgiving?
When California get back to normal? Well, officials in Santa Clara County (which has been ahead of the curve on coronavirus fight) dobuts “any sports games until at least Thanksgiving, and we’d be lucky to have them by Thanksgiving." https://t.co/R6QvLE1GTA
— Shelby Grad (@shelbygrad) April 8, 2020
Things change very often in these trying times, and a California official in Santa Clara County is quoted in saying we may not see “any sports games until at least Thanksgiving, and we’d be lucky to have them by Thanksgiving”. Of course, this is way later than other projections have indicated, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on. If there is nothing until November, it is hard to anticipate there being a MLB season at all. Again, nothing is confirmed though.
When Will Major League Baseball Start? July 1?
Baseball is considering playing in empty spring training parks, with no fans and quarantined players. But the logistics of such a plan would be extremely complex, and perhaps insurmountable. Story: https://t.co/TphgvYsCrt
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 4, 2020
Using these stipulations, we can rule out when baseball could start. Condition one was no bans on mass gatherings. The US government advised to have those bans through the month of April, and most states have those bans until at least May 15th or longer. Per the news of Toronto banning all public events until June 30th, that effectively rules out the entire month of June for baseball season to resume. Unless this is changed, that means the earliest we can expect baseball season to resume is July 1st, 2020. The latest rumors have shown that baseball could begin on July 1st, and continue into the winter months if need be.
Major League Baseball Wanted to Start in June
As March went on, there was speculation of MLB returning in June 2020. In late March, the MLB and MLBPA agreed to a deal that would settle issues such as service time and others. This gave the indication that baseball would not resume anytime soon given the discussions on whether or not players would still become free agents and such. Players and owners had loose expectations that baseball may resume in June 2020, even it meant playing in empty stadiums. At least there would be television revenue, in this example.
With that optimism, the MLB had not canceled the London Series between the Cardinals and Cubs, which was set to take place in June.
Coronavirus: MLB cancels 2020 London Series between Cardinals and Cubs scheduled in Junehttps://t.co/bkFRzxULfo pic.twitter.com/DTa2aH2hHL
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) April 1, 2020
As of April 1st, it was no April Fools joke but the MLB canceled the 2020 London Series that was set to take place in June. This certainly is not good news, as it indicates baseball may not be played in June either. Does this mean a July start is inevitable?
MLB is discussing a 100-game regular season that would begin July 1, include no All-Star Game and end with a November World Series at Dodger Stadium. https://t.co/xoCWdoV377
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 2, 2020
MLB and MLBPA Agree on 2020 Season Resume Conditions
The players and league agreed the 2020 MLB season won't begin until:
– There are no bans on mass gatherings that limit the ability to play in front of fans*
– There are no travel restrictions
– Medical experts determine games will not pose a risk to health of teams and fans— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2020
This was a very key piece of news in the MLB season resumption saga, as it gave clear guidelines to when baseball could possibly return. There are three main stipulations that were agreed to here, which are:
- No bans on mass gatherings
- No travel restrictions in the US and Canada
- Medical experts were sure that games were not risking staff, players, or fans.
The one caveat was that this still allowed for the league and players to agree on playing in empty stadiums, if it came to that. These restrictions are very straightforward, and we can read between the lines in order to find out when baseball season could return.
MLB Delays Start of Season by Two Weeks (3/12/20)
2020 Opening Day to be delayed by at least two weeks; Spring Training Games cancelled beginning today; and @WBCBaseball Qualifier games postponed indefinitely due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. pic.twitter.com/yCgUHkdfpF
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) March 12, 2020
On March 12th, Major League Baseball announced that spring training games were canceled and the regular season was to be delayed by at least two weeks. Given the MLB regular season was scheduled to start on March 26th, a two week delay would have put Opening Day into the beginning of April. This was just the beginning of the outbreak however, and the key words in this release are “at least”. As more and more leagues began to suspend their seasons, baseball had to react accordingly and alongside public officials recommendations and others. Remember, baseball is involved with a lot of businesses, cities, logistics, and even travel to Canada, London, and others.
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