The MLB Owners’ Meetings take place this week in New York, and Commissioner Rob Manfred will address reporters on Wednesday. There will be a lot to discuss.
Manfred has yet to expand on the league’s widely expected decision to introduce a hard salary cap and floor system, though he gave expansive thoughts on payroll disparity during an appearance last week on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Manfred will also be able to address MLBPA Interim Exec Dir Bruce Meyer shooting down the league’s economic proposal on Monday. MLB has yet to make its proposal to the union surrounding issues relating to the reserve clause.
Of course, the owners will all be in the same place to discuss the massive gap that currently exists between the two sides, with six months left before the Dec. 1 expiration of the CBA.
On the media side, it wasn’t necessarily surprising that the league proposed centralizing all local TV revenue, given the public support of big-market executives. Still, it was noteworthy. Manfred’s desire for a massive national streaming rights deal also looms after the 2028 season.
Manfred will also be able to tackle expansion. Sacramento became the latest city to make its hopes known, though USA Today reported Sunday that several around the league are skeptical.
Owners could also vote on the Padres’ sale at a $3.9B valuation to Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. Approval would come with at least 23 votes. The various ownership committees will meet on Tuesday.
