Union rejects MLB's offer, season to start on time

The players association rejected Major League Baseball's offer Monday to delay the start of the season a month and reduce the amount of games played from 162 to 154. They will not counter, meaning the season will proceed as scheduled.

On Friday the league proposed to delay the season a month for health concerns. Players would receive their full salaries in the slightly shortened season and the National League would adopt the designated hitter. In exchange, the playoff field would be expanded from 10 to 14 teams. 

Last month, the union had been offered to trade expanded playoffs for the universal DH, and had rejected it. 

The MLBPA cited a lack of guarantees in player salary or service time if the season was further delayed, interrupted or cancelled. 

During negotiations between the league and union last March, service time guarantees was the most important issue for players, as the MLBPA believed losing guaranteed service time would hurt players for years to come.

Pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring training in two weeks. Cases in Arizona and Florida are still high, to the point that Cactus League officials and Arizona politicians sent a letter to Rob Manfred last week suggesting to delay the start of spring training.

The union understands the health risks involved with starting the season now, but argued they were able to overcome those challenges during the 2020 season.

“We do not make this decision lightly,” the MLBPA released in a statement. “Players know first-hand the efforts that were required to complete the abbreviated 2020 season, and we appreciate that significant challenges lie ahead.  We look forward to promptly finalizing enhanced health and safety protocols that will help Players and Clubs meet these challenges.

The full statement from the MLBPA can be read here:

Opening day is Apr. 1. The Pirates will open against the Cubs in Chicago.