Take this however you will: we’ve been hurt before.
Breaking: MLB and players union are closing in on an agreement to play the 2020 season, via players. Deal expected to be for prorated pay and include expanded playoffs.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 17, 2020
I think the “via players” note is fairly interesting. Other quick reactions are:
First, if the owners have really “caved” and given the players full pro-rated pay, then it seems like some time was wasted for nothing. (Of course, we could see that the 2020 season has only a tiny amount of games, such that the owners still reach their apparent overall payroll payout target that seemed to be the orienting principle of their negotiating stance.)
Second, ugh, expanded playoffs.
That is all. Now go forth and speculate. We’ll be here as more developments happen.
On the flip side, though:
Source says no deal is close yet between MLB and MLBPA beccause the proposal was just sent by MLB. No agreement even in principle at this point.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) June 17, 2020
So don’t quite go manning your battle stations just yet.