TORONTO -- With negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement progressing slowly, MLB has asked for the assistance of a federal mediator to help resolve the ongoing lockout, according to industry sources.
Under the request, which was first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service would attempt to find common ground between players and owners if both sides agreed to the process, which is voluntary.
While mediation could theoretically bring the sides closer on a number of core issues, mediation offers no guarantee of a resolution.
Players made some modifications to their proposal in a Tuesday session one source described as ‘heated,’ but both sides left the meeting frustrated with significant distance remaining on many key issues and limited time remaining before Feb. 16, when pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training.
Since Tuesday, the sides have re-engaged on non-core economic issues to be sure those aspects of the CBA are in place once the sides resolve bigger issues. But until there’s more common ground on major issues including the MLB minimum salary and competitive balance tax penalties and thresholds, no agreement can be considered close.
MLB seeks an expanded playoff field of 14 teams, ads on uniform patches and helmet decals and a universal designated hitter, among other things. One of the 30 MLB teams, the Toronto Blue Jays, is owned by Rogers Communications Inc., which also owns Sportsnet.
Conversely, the players seek better compensation for younger players, eight lottery picks to dissuade clubs from tanking and eased restrictions on team spending.
At this point it’s unclear when the sides will meet again for their in-person next bargaining session.
