The MLBPA is voting on the owners’ 60-game season proposal as we speak. The players association countered the original offer with a 70-game proposal of their own, but it doesn’t seem the owners are willing to budge.
The fear on the players’ side is that if nothing is done, Rob Manfred will impose a season without some of the extra revenue sharing that is in the deal. Most people thought that the two sides would meet in the middle and play a 66-game season, which seemed to make sense from a scheduling perspective.
The big question now is what will happen if there is a coronavirus outbreak once the season resumes? Multiple players and staff members have tested positive over the last week, and Arizona and Florida are both experiencing surges in cases.
While teams will hold spring training in their own stadiums, fear that there will be a number of positive tests is extremely high. The call-in vote is going to occur on Monday, June 22nd at 5 pm eastern time.
40 Players and Staff Test Positive
Even if a deal is reached, the fear that a big surge in cases could derail the season is a stark reality. Bob Nightengale has reported that over 40 players and staff have tested positive for the COVID-19 over the last week.
While the identities and teams have not been made public, the Phillies closed their spring training facility after five players and three staff members tested positive. MLB decided to close all facilities in Florida and Arizona after the spike in positive tests.
Every team is scheduled to hold spring training in their home ballpark with the exception of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have not picked a spot yet, but it will most likely be held in the U.S. to avoid any travelling issues.
Talks of holding a bubble season, like in the NBA, have emerged over the weekend. While players have pushed back against the idea, due to lack of time spent with their family, it might be a safer option that gets more talk if the 60-game season is voted down.
Yankees and Mets Plan to Train in New York
Governor Cuomo and the two New York baseball teams have reached an agreement to have the teams train in the state if a season is to start in 2020. The Yankees had wanted to train in Tampa, and the Mets were torn between Florida and New York, but the agreement, combined with the number of positive tests coming from Florida, have moved both teams to practice in their home state.
Addison Russell Signs in KBO
Former Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russel, who was suspended for violating the league’s domestic-abuse policy, has signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization. The deal is worth $530,00 and is for one season.
Russell was suspended for the first 40-games last season. He had career-lows across the board hitting .237 with nine homers and 23 RBIs.
