What's the latest on CBA negotiations?
This article covers the 2022 CBA negotiations. MLB and the MLBPA reached the current Collective Bargaining Agreement on March 10, 2022, ending a 99-day lockout and establishing terms for the 2022–2026 seasons.
Negotiations for a new agreement began on May 12, 2026. MLB is seeking changes intended to improve competitive balance, including a salary cap-and-floor system designed to address MLB’s historic payroll disparity and give fans in every market a stronger belief that their team can compete.
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today:
“In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately. The Clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the substantial demands of the MLBPA. On the key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the Clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve a full schedule. Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.
“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th. We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans.
“We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered.”