We’re going to play ball this year, as MLB and the MLB Players Association have agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement to put the kibosh on the 99-day lockout.
The season—a full 162-game schedule—is set to begin on April 7, but free agency has already begun.
Here are some highlights from the new deal:
– Pre-arbitration bonus pool at $50 million;
– Minimum salary will start at $700,000 and increase to $720,000, 740,000, $760,000, $780,000
– The CBT will range from $230 million to $244 million;
– The draft lottery is at six picks; the amateur draft is 20 rounds;
– A universal designated hitter;
– A player can be optioned five times per year.
“I think we made an agreement when it was possible to make an agreement,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said.
