It was a light day of baseball action on May 28, as just six games were contested on the day. However, the big news came from the MLB office, as it countered the players’ union proposal for a new CBA. And, the league did propose a salary cap, something not done in over 30 years.
MLB releases CBA proposal
Major League Baseball released its initial proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to replace the one that will expire after 2026. And for the first time in over 30 years, the league proposed adding a salary cap, the same sticking point that caused a strike in 1994.
In the initial proposal, MLB staked out a plan to set the cap at $245.3MM, with a floor of $171,2MM. This would mean teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees would have to cut payroll, while clubs like the Athletics, Brewers, and Rockies, among others, would have to raise payroll.
Since salary caps are largely predicated on revenues, MLB indicated that it wants a 50/50 share with the players. The league also proposed a centralized pool for local media that would share money across all 30 clubs.
This news came one day after the players’ union released its initial proposal.
It included an increase in the minimum salary to $1.5MM, nearly a 100% increase over 2026 levels. Additionally, their proposal included increasing salary arbitration requirements, penalties for teams that don’t spend a certain amount on payroll, allowing players who are 30 to hit free agency with five years of experience, and an expanded MLB Draft lottery, among others.
MLBPA head Bruce Meyer responded in a statement by writing, “[Salary caps] suffocate competition by offering owners an all-purpose excuse for inaction and mediocrity.”
Braves blow out Red Sox
Back to baseball action, the Red Sox lost to the Braves 10-2 to end their season series.
Payton Tolle struck out seven but didn’t make it past five. Boston’s bullpen failed to keep the Braves off the board, as Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a grand slam off Greg Weissert, and Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies also tallied home runs in the win.
Chris Sale struck out eight over five to earn a win against his old team.
Cubs earn series split
Despite 10 strikeouts from Paul Skenes, the Pirates lost to the Cubs 7-2.
Two of the three runs Skenes conceded were unearned runs. The Cubs were able to score four more with Skenes out, as Ian Happ blasted a two-run home run in the eighth, Miguel Amaya drove in a run later that frame, and an Alex Bregman fielder’s choice in the ninth added another.
Arrighetti sharp again
Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes hit home runs for the Astros, as Houston defeated the Texas Rangers 5-1.
Spencer Arrighetti only struck out three but gave up just three hits and one total run. That lone run came off a Josh Jung solo homer.
Nathan Eovaldi struck out six but gave up five earned runs over seven innings.
Everything else
- Angels def. Tigers 7-1
- White Sox def. Twins 6-2
- Blue Jays def. Orioles 2-1
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