MLB Lockout update: players, owners settle International draft talks; union awaits MLB’s counter
With the announcement of the cancellation of more regular-season games came the good news of the MLB and MLBPA agreeing on something: international draft.
Major League Baseball announced the cancellation of more regular-season games on Wednesday evening, pushing Opening Day to April 14, at earliest.
After the MLB and MLB Player Association fought over several issues in New York, like the luxury tax thresholds and the minimum salaries, the two sides finally made an agreement on one of the most prominent subjects, the international draft and the qualifying offer.
There were two issues the baseball league had tied jointly: the international draft, which the owners want to be instituted newly, and the players don't; and the qualifying offer, which players want to remove and owners don’t.
Related: Why is the MLB on lockout? When was the last time they had one?
Potential implementation of an international draft by July 25
The two parties agreed to extend the deadline for a deal on the “potential implementation of an international draft” to July 25, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
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If a deal is reached, the qualifying offer, or draft pick compensation for free agents, will be removed. If no deal is reached on the draft, international entry and draft compensation will remain status quo.
The union awaits a full counterproposal from MLB.
While MLB has already canceled several games through April 13, this agreement represents hope and progress for a potential reinstitution of a 162-game season.
A March 31st opening day is no longer a possibility, but the league could begin spring training next week if a deal is reached in a few days, and make up canceled games on off days and through doubleheaders.