Major League Baseball and its players' association still haven't reached an agreement for the 2020 campaign to begin, and players aren't too happy with the league's latest proposal.
Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle, who has been very vocal on social media regarding discussions with the league, explained why the players are frustrated with the ongoing negotiations.
There’s social unrest in our country amid a global pandemic. Baseball won’t solve these problems, but maybe it could help. We’ve been staying ready & we proposed 114 games - to protect the integrity of the game, to give back to our fans & cities, and because we want to play.
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) June 8, 2020
It’s frustrating to have a public labor dispute when there’s so much hardship. I hate it. But we have an obligation to future players to do right by them. We want to play. We also have to make sure that future players won’t be paying for any concessions we make.
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) June 8, 2020
There’s also still health concerns that need to be addressed. This is a really good article that highlights some of the concerns - especially considering the waivers we’d need to sign? We’re doing our best to stay healthy and ready to play so we can resume the season. https://t.co/IYKunExTxW
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) June 8, 2020
MLB proposed a 76-game season, according to ESPN, with players receiving 75 percent prorated salaries. Jon Heyman of MLB Network also reports that the season would begin around July 10 under the new proposal.
The league and players' association were shooting for a second spring training to begin in July, but that seems unlikely with both sides continuing to refuse eachothers proposals.
Unlike MLB, other professional leagues in the United States have made significant progress towards a return to their seasons. The NBA is set to resume at Walt Disney World on July 31, the NHL has agreed to a 24-team playoff format with games hopefully resuming this summer and Major League Soccer also is expected to resume this summer in Orlando.
If MLB wants to salvage its season, both sides are going to need to be a little more open to negotiations.
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