Story perspectives

MLB Owners Plan Two-Week Free Agency Rejected by MLBPA

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

MLB owners proposed a free-agency system that the MLB Players Association rejected.
The plan creates a two-week December free-agency window and a February window starting Monday.
It would lower injured-list minimums to one week for players and two weeks for pitchers.
MLBPA director Bruce Meyer warned the proposals would eliminate rights and create a ‘musical chairs’ market.
The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and a lockout threatens the 2027 season.

History

Historical Context

In August 1994, the MLB Players Association walked off, and acting commissioner Bud Selig canceled the remaining season on September 14, wiping out 948 games and the first World Series since 1904. The strike, which hurt teams like the Montreal Expos and cost owners about $580 million, exposed deep labor mistrust. Those lessons shape today’s proposals for a December free-agency window and lower injured-list minimums.

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Story summary

MLB owners proposed a free-agency system that the MLB Players Association rejected.
The plan creates a two-week December free-agency window and a February window starting Monday.
It would lower injured-list minimums to one week for players and two weeks for pitchers.
MLBPA director Bruce Meyer warned the proposals would eliminate rights and create a ‘musical chairs’ market.
The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and a lockout threatens the 2027 season.

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