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MLB proposes radical changes to free agency in CBA negotiations
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Major League Baseball introduced a proposal Thursday that could reshape the sport's financial structure during collective bargaining talks with the MLB Players Association.
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The plan centers on several major changes to free agency and contract rules, including maximum deal lengths, the elimination of deferred contracts, and the end of qualifying offers. However, league officials tied those concessions to a far larger request for player approval of a strict hard salary cap and salary floor system.
Under the proposal, free agents changing teams could sign for no more than five years, while clubs could retain their players for up to six years. MLB also proposed eliminating deferred compensation and allowing players aged 30 or older to reach free agency after five years of service.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers shared the league's latest proposal Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, outlining several notable changes under discussion.
"BREAKING: In its next CBA, the league is proposing a max contract length of 5 yrs for free agent players switching teams, 6 years to retain their own players. No deferred contracts. Qualifying offer is gone too. Also, 5 years to free agency for players 30 or older."
The Athletic's Evan Drellich also relayed MLB's position on the platform, citing Special Assistant for Baseball Operations Glen Caplin as the league framed the broader proposal around a hard cap.
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"Major League Baseball today said that *if the players accept a salary cap* it would:
• Make the minimum salary $1 mil for players w/at least 2 years of service time; $900K with potential for $100K more for players w/0-1 yrs of service
• Eliminate qualifying offers• Eliminate deferred salary for future contracts
• No change to arb process"
The proposal includes incentives for players, including a reported $1 million minimum salary for those with at least two years of service, increased rookie compensation, and no changes to salary arbitration. Still, the MLB salary cap remains the central issue
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With the current CBA set to expire on Dec. 1, 2026, both sides face pressure to reach an agreement that could reshape spending, MLB free agency, and contract structures.
Related: MLBPA issues statement on 'misleading' MLB CBA proposal
Related: MLB trade deadline predictions: 3 teams who are going to make massive mistakes
