MLB & MLBPA Agree To 60-Game Season Starting July 24

After weeks of going back and forth, the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to Major League Baseball’s offer of a 60-game season, starting July 23 or 24. There are some health and safety issues that still need to be ironed out, but barring something crazy, it looks like there will be a baseball season in 2020.

After negotiations between the league and the union were unable to really get off the ground, the owners implemented the schedule the two sides agreed upon back on March 26, and had the players had to answer two questions by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday. The first being that players would be able to report to training camp July 1, and the second being that the union would sign off on the health and safety protocols. 

The season will run through September, with the postseason taking place during October. Players and teams will report to mini spring training July 1.

One of the biggest concerns has been an increase in positive cases of the coronavirus in various MLB cities. It remains unclear what will be the case for team’s who play in those cities that see a spike in cases.

In terms of testing, players will be tested every other day, regardless of whether or not they are asymptomatic. One of the biggest issues in negotiations as well has been salaries for players. For the season, players will receive their full, prorated salaries.