The MLB Lockout continues after three months with no end in sight. In fact, recent reports make it harder to believe that a deal will be made anytime soon. Thursday, news broke that four MLB team owners were against the league's proposed luxury tax increase. According to The Athletic, these are owners Arturo Moreno of the Los Angeles Angels, Ken Kendrick of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bob Castellini of the Cincinnati Reds, and Chris Ilitch of the Detroit Tigers.
Tuesday, March 1, the MLB made their final offer to the MLB Players Association in an attempt to end the lockout. The offer included a $5 million increase on the pre-arbitration bonus pool from $25 million to $30 million. It also included an increase of minimum salaries from $675 thousand to $700 thousand, moving up $10 thousand each year.
However, the league refused to budge on their Competitive Balance Tax, and now it's clear why. The four team owners and potentially others were planning on declining a CBT threshold above $220 million. Meantime, the MLBPA refuses to accept a deal where the Competitive Balance Tax threshold is anywhere below $230 million.
The MLB season is now delayed since the two sides were unable to finalize a deal by 5 p.m. on March 1. The first two series of the season are canceled. The matchups will not be rescheduled, and players will not be paid for the canceled games.
With the owners of the Angels, Diamondbacks, Reds, and Tigers unwilling to meet the MLBPA in the middle, the future of the MLB season looks murkier than ever.
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