In the latest negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association, the league announced proposals for contract ground rules as part of the CBA. Additionally, there was some action across Major League Baseball, highlighted by big wins for the Cubs and Phillies.
MLB announces contract structure proposal
Major League Baseball announced its proposal for how it wants contracts structured after the expiration, decisions that would considerably change the landscape.
The league announced that it would agree to the union’s plans to scrap the qualifying offer, as well as allow 30-year-old players with five years of service time to head to free agency, rather than six.
However, other proposals include the removal of deferred contracts, increasing the minimum salary to $1MM for players with two years of service time, as well as individuals with 0-year and 1-year contracts who’ve accrued at least one year of service time.
It would also cap contracts for players that sign with new teams in free agency to five years. A “Cornerstone Player” program would allow teams to sign individuals for an extra year & more money.
The league also reiterated its desire for a salary cap.
The players’ union responded with a three-paragraph statement chastizing the idea. “While MLB claims to be acting in the interest of fans, their proposals thus far are entirely consistent with owners’ long-held goals: suppressing player salaries and maximizing club profits.”
Rays nearly toss no-no
The first game of the day nearly saw the Majors’ second no-hitter of 2026. The Rays defeated the Royals 13-2.
Junior Caminero had a great day at the plate, as the Rays’ third baseman hit three home runs, the last of which came off position player Tyler Tolbert. Tolbert gave up five of those runs in mop-up duty.
Opener Casey Legumina and bulk pitcher Ian Seymour went eight no-hit innings. But in the ninth, Craig Kimbrel surrendered a two-run home run to Carter Jensen to break it up.
Phillies notch another comeback win
Yet again, the Phillies earned a comeback win, the franchise’s third consecutive in as many days. Philadelphia defeated the Nationals 10-5.
Washington scored five off Cristopher Sanchez. Jacob Young drove in two, and Curtis Mead hit his 14th as part of the scoring.
But from the sixth onward, it was all Phillies. Philadelphia scored 10 unanswered runs, highlighted by a two-run shot from Bryce Harper to give the Phillies a 7-5 lead in the ninth. Derek Hill tallied a three-run home run later that inning.
Cubs complete sweep of Mets
A Pete Crow-Armstrong RBI double in the tenth inning completed a four-game sweep of the Mets on June 25. The Cubs took all seven games from the Mets this season.
Freddy Peralta struck out five over 5.2 IP, as he couldn’t finish the sixth inning thanks to two errors, one made by Ronny Mauricio and the other by Carson Benge. Matthew Boyd, meanwhile, struck out four over 4.2 IP (76 pitches). It was Boyd’s first start back from the injured list.
As for the Mets, it was the franchise’s sixth straight loss. New York (NL) is now 9.5 games out of a playoff spot.
Everything else
- Pirates def. Mariners 5-1
- Athletics def. Giants 9-6
- Astros def. Tigers 2-1
- Rangers def. Blue Jays 6-5
- Red Sox def. Yankees 6-3
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