The Major League Baseball (MLB) lockout has been ongoing for months, and the two sides—MLB owners and MLB players—are still far apart in reaching a resolution. Negotiations have stalled and it appears that the only way forward is a resolution that is satisfactory to both parties. But what do the players want in the MLB lockout?
The Players’ Perspective
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) is the union that represents the players in the MLB lockout. The MLBPA has been clear that the players are seeking a fair and equitable deal that is reflective of the growth of the game in recent years. The players have identified a number of areas that they hope to see addressed in the negotiated agreement.
Compensation
The players are seeking a salary structure that is more equitable than the current system. The current system is based on a percentage of total league revenues, and the players feel that this does not accurately reflect the value of their labor. The players are seeking a system that is based on individual performance and recognizes the value of star players.
Revenue Sharing
The players are also seeking a more equitable revenue sharing system. At present, the revenue sharing system is based on a percentage of total league revenues. This system does not account for the varying revenues of different teams, which can result in an unfair advantage for some teams. The players are seeking a system that is based on the actual revenues of each team.
Free Agency
The players are seeking more freedom in the free agency process. They are seeking a system that allows players to move freely between teams and negotiate the best possible contract for their services. The current system, which places restrictions on free agency and limits the ability of players to move freely, is seen as unfair by the players.
International Players
The players are also seeking more rights for international players. International players are currently subject to a draft system that restricts their ability to negotiate contracts and move freely between teams. The players are seeking a system that allows international players to negotiate the best possible contract for their services.
Benefits
The players are seeking an improved benefits package. This includes improved health care coverage, pension benefits, and other benefits for retired players. The players are also seeking an improved system for players who are injured or otherwise unable to play.
Luxury Tax
The players are seeking an improved luxury tax system. The current system is based on a percentage of total league revenues, and the players feel that this system is unfair. The players are seeking a system that is more reflective of the actual expenditures of each team.
Draft System
The players are seeking an improved draft system. The current system is based on a lottery system, and the players feel that this system is unfair. The players are seeking a system that is based on the actual talent of each player.
Revenue Sharing for Minor Leagues
The players are also seeking an improved system for revenue sharing for the minor leagues. The players feel that the current system does not adequately compensate minor league players for their labor. The players are seeking a system that is more equitable and reflective of the value of their labor.
Stadiums
The players are also seeking improved stadiums. The players feel that the current stadiums are inadequate and do not provide a suitable environment for playing the game. The players are seeking stadiums that are modern, safe, and provide a suitable environment for playing the game.
Conclusion
The MLB lockout is a complex issue, and it appears that a resolution is still far off. The players have identified a number of areas that they hope to see addressed in the negotiated agreement. These areas include compensation, revenue sharing, free agency, international players, benefits, luxury tax, draft system, revenue sharing for minor leagues, and stadiums. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both parties.