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Despite being just a couple of weeks away from players reporting to Spring Training, Major League Baseball and the Players Association only recently began negotiating details for the upcoming season. The league submitted a proposal to the union Friday on a 154-game regular season with full pay that would be delayed by about a month. Reports also suggest that the deal would include the Universal DH and expanded playoffs.
However, it wasn’t long after that report surfaced that USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Players Association will formally reject that proposal on Monday. The two sides can and most likely will continue to negotiate, but they are simply running out of time.
Even with a formal rejection of #MLB's proposal to delay the season, the union and MLB still have until opening day to reach a potential agreement on the universal DH and expanded playoffs. They reached an agreement just hours before opening day last season. https://t.co/rmHP1OHbpX
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 31, 2021
Absent a deal, players are expected to report to Spring Training in a couple of weeks with Opening Day set for April 1. With other sports currently in operation, there is no reason to doubt that there will be a 2021 season. What remains up for discussion is what it will look like.
Braves News
Reports surfaced Saturday that the Twins and free agent Nelson Cruz have resumed contract negotiations. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that the Braves and Dodgers have interest in Cruz provided that the DH sticks around in the National League. Atlanta’s rumored interest makes sense but the problem is that we still don’t appear to be any closer to a resolution on the Universal DH.
MLB.com takes a look at five big projections from ZiPS and Steamer for the 2021 season including a home run title for Ronald Acuña Jr.
Also at MLB.com, Anthony Castrovince ranks the best divisions in Major League Baseball with the NL East coming out on top.
MLB News
The Houston Astros agreed to a minor league deal with outfielder Steven Souza Jr. Souza suffered a devastating knee injury in 2019 with the Diamondbacks and saw action in 11 games with the Cubs in 2020.
MLB Trade Rumors lists the 20 largest contracts in Major League history. Mookie Betts’ new deal with the Dodgers tops the list and is followed by Mike Trout’s 10-year deal with the Angels and Bryce Harper’s 13-year pact with the Phillies.
The Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with former Pirates starter Trevor Williams.
The Cincinnati Reds remain on the hunt for help at shortstop and are reportedly interested in Tampa’s Willy Adames along with free agent Dee Strange-Gordon.