In an effort to protect the current MLB season from cancellation, the players’ union and MLB finalized an agreement on Thursday. The deal ensures that players will retain their service time even if games are not played, although a definite schedule has not been disclosed yet.
Under the terms of the agreement, MLB will provide $170 million during the first 60 days of the original season schedule. This financial support will not need to be refunded if the season is called off. Players have agreed not to contest any loss of earnings resulting from a cancelled season due to lack of gameplay. The total player salaries for this year are anticipated to reach around $4 billion.
MLB has the authority to shorten the amateur draft for both 2020 and 2021 if it is deemed necessary. Additionally, they have the power to freeze the value of signing bonus money at the 2019 levels. These specifics were outlined in a comprehensive 17-page document that received approval from all teams on Friday.
Originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, the start of the season has been postponed by several months, with mid-May being the earliest possible start date. Spring training was also cut abruptly, concluding on March 12, in response to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, known as COVID-19.
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