MLB CBA Talks: Proposed Cap Delayed to 2028

Major League Baseball has pushed the start date for its proposed salary cap to the 2028 season. The league wants clubs to have a full offseason to adjust payrolls before the new financial limits take effect. Under this plan, the existing competitive balance tax and revenue sharing rules would stay in place for the 2027 season. This timeline shift is part of ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

The league increased the financial figures in its latest proposal. The new salary cap is set at $258.3 million. The corresponding floor is set at $180.2 million. These numbers are higher than the initial proposal released in June. That earlier bid suggested a $245.3 million cap and a $171.2 million floor. MLB stated it is willing to discuss further scenarios for phasing in the system.

Glen Caplin, a spokesman for the league, issued a statement on November 3, 2026, explaining the rationale. He noted that clubs need adequate time to operate within the cap and floor limits. The goal is to ensure a smoother transition for the teams. This proposal represents the most contentious issue in the current labor talks.

The Players Association has largely viewed a cap as a non-starter. Ownership advocates for the cap to align MLB with other major North American sports leagues. The owners believe that being the only major league without a cap harms franchise values. While competitive balance is cited, the internal driver is the financial stability of the franchises.

The negotiations are happening against a history of labor disputes. The first collective bargaining agreement was established in the late 1960s, an effort led by Marvin Miller. Since then, talks have often resulted in work stoppages. A notable 99-day lockout delayed the 2022 season. The current aim is to secure a new agreement before mid-March 2027 to prevent delays to the 2027 season.

Recent league proposals include changes to the game schedule and postseason format. In October, MLB suggested a 154-game season with a standard off day each week. The league also proposed extending the Division Series to a best-of-seven format. Higher-seeded teams would be allowed to select their opponents in the Wild Card and Division Series. These structural changes are contingent on the players accepting the salary cap and floor system.

The union has responded with its own series of proposals. In July, the MLBPA suggested moving the draft back to June and preserving the 20-round format. The union proposed allowing high school and junior college players to maintain draft eligibility. Roster adjustments were also part of the union's bid. This includes expanding active rosters to 28 players for the first 15 days of the season and reducing in-season optional assignments.

Public sentiment among players generally leans toward opposition. A recent poll by ESPN revealed that most players across different salary levels are resistant to the cap. Some lower-salaried players expressed openness to discussion if the criteria are right. The majority, however, aligned with the union's stance. Commissioner Rob Manfred has emphasized the unity of the ownership group in supporting the cap. Interim union head Bruce Meyer has criticized the league for suggesting the game is broken despite record attendance.

Detailed discussions involve contract lengths and minimum salaries. MLB has proposed limiting contract lengths for players who switch teams to five years. The maximum value would be 15% of the cap. For players who remain with their original team under a cornerstone provision, the limit is six years at 16% of the cap. The league also proposed raising the minimum salary for veterans to $1 million and for newer players to $900,000.

Both sides continue to engage in strategic posturing as the offseason progresses. The timeline is critical for national broadcasting contracts. A lockout extending into late May 2027 would push back the league's plans to centralize streaming rights. The league hopes to reach a timely agreement to allow for a full and uninterrupted 2027 season.