MLB proposes limiting most free agent contracts to 5 years and 15% of a team's salary cap
- On Thursday, Major League Baseball proposed a new collective bargaining agreement featuring a salary cap system, limiting free-agent contracts to five years for players switching teams while allowing teams to retain their own players for up to six years via a "Cornerstone Player" provision.
- MLB spokesperson Glen Caplin stated the proposal aims to fix "payroll disparity," noting every other major U.S. sport uses a cap to help small-market teams compete. The league intends to share revenue 50/50 with players to create a level playing field.
- Under the league's proposal, teams would face a $245.3 million salary ceiling and a $171.2 million floor beginning in 2027. The Los Angeles Dodgers, currently spending $415.2 million, would operate roughly $170 million over the proposed cap limit.
- Union head Bruce Meyer rejected the offers, calling them "misleading" and designed to suppress salaries rather than benefit fans. The MLBPA stated owners are "attempting to distract from the true impact their plan would have on baseball."
- The proposal limits maximum contracts for free agents switching teams to $202 million, while MLB plans to raise the minimum salary to $1 million for players with at least two years of service time beginning in 2027.
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MLB proposes free agency limits, eliminating deferred contracts as lockout fears grow
MLB proposed a five-year maximum contract length for players signing with new teams via free agency during a Thursday meeting with the Major League Baseball Players' Union regarding the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league confirmed via X.
The Toronto Star
MLB proposes limiting most free agent contracts to 5 years and 15% of a team’s salary cap
Major League Baseball proposed limiting most free agent contracts to five years and 15% of a team's salary cap and to eliminate deferred compensation, fleshing out additional details of a
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