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MLB Negotiations Begin: Owners Push Salary Cap, Lockout Looms

5/13/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

MLB Owners Negotiate

MLB owners and the MLB Players Association began negotiations in New York City as the 2026-2027 collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026.
Owners want a salary cap and floor, citing imbalance from high-payroll clubs like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, while players say a cap would curb earnings.
Commentators say the owners’ cap push and players’ opposition could trigger a lockout before the December 2026 deadline.

Summary

Manfred Pushes Expansion

Commissioner Rob Manfred said he will move forward with MLB expansion before his contract ends in January 2029.
Collective bargaining talks now include an international draft and a review of the postseason format, with owners weighing changes to playoff teams or series length.
A revision of the revenue-sharing program and the 2028 expiration of national television deals create urgency to settle financial terms before the media-rights cycle renews.

Summary

Manfred Calls Cap

Players said they want to “hear and be there” to discuss league issues.
Commissioner Rob Manfred told the Baseball Writers’ Association of America that owners need a salary cap and floor to address fan concerns about competitive balance.
The Los Angeles Dodgers posted a $515 million payroll and luxury-tax payment, setting a record payroll ratio of 4.7.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 MLB strike, triggered on August 12 1994 by players led by Donald Fehr against acting commissioner Bud Selig, cancelled the World Series and cost owners about $580 million. That labor clash still shapes the league, as today’s talks with owners such as the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers focus on a salary cap, floor and expansion.

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MLB Owners Negotiate

MLB owners and the MLB Players Association began negotiations in New York City as the 2026-2027 collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026.
Owners want a salary cap and floor, citing imbalance from high-payroll clubs like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, while players say a cap would curb earnings.
Commentators say the owners’ cap push and players’ opposition could trigger a lockout before the December 2026 deadline.

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