2026 MLB Thread

[The Sultan]

I get what you're saying in both of your posts, but it's not about swaying you or anyone else.

The players simply aren't gonna accept a salary cap IMHO. They will let ballparks go dark for multiple seasons rather than accept a salary cap. The owners will cave first.

A salary cap harms those at the very top end. A cap combined with a floor is a better deal than losing multiple seasons during their prime earning years for most of the players. 

Edit to add that if the owners were willing to give up a year or two of control in return for a cap/floor, that also benefits the middle class.

[MU82]

A salary cap harms those at the very top end. A cap combined with a floor is a better deal than losing multiple seasons during their prime earning years for most of the players. 

Edit to add that if the owners were willing to give up a year or two of control in return for a cap/floor, that also benefits the middle class.

I just don't see the players giving in to a salary cap, regardless of how the owners try to sweeten it. But as TAMU said, we'll see.

[Pakuni]

I don't know that the players would never accept a cap under any circumstances. But I can't see any way they accept a cap that requires teams to reduce payroll, some by 20% or more.

[WhiteTrash]

I don't know that the players would never accept a cap under any circumstances. But I can't see any way they accept a cap that requires teams to reduce payroll, some by 20% or more.

The deal gives more money to the players.

[Pakuni]

The deal gives more money to the players.

So would the MLBPA proposal. And it doesn't matter. The players won't accept a deal that forces teams to significantly reduce payroll next year.

[WhiteTrash]

So would the MLBPA proposal. And it doesn't matter. The players won't accept a deal that forces teams to significantly reduce payroll next year

Then it would appear that they will end up extending the current deal. The players get the exclusion of the hard cap and the owners will save money.

 

[MU82]

Then it would appear that they will end up extending the current deal. The players get the exclusion of the hard cap and the owners will save money.

The players would gladly accept a renewal of status quo. The owners absolutely will not - or at least that's what they've been suggesting. They seem willing to blow up next season in pursuit of a plan to save them from themselves.

[WhiteTrash]

The players would gladly accept a renewal of status quo. The owners absolutely will not - or at least that's what they've been suggesting. They seem willing to blow up next season in pursuit of a plan to save them from themselves.

Honest question. With a guarantee of higher payroll expenses, how are the players saving the owners from themselves?

I feel like I'm missing part of the equation. The owners have been disciplined in spending for a long time. Clearly their offer is not cost cutting.