MLB Raises Salary Cap Offer to $258.2M and Delays Start to 2028

Major League Baseball raised its proposed hard cap from $245.3 million to $258.2 million and its payroll floor from $171.2 million to $180.2 million. It also moved the start of the system from 2027 to 2028. Based on 2026 luxury tax payrolls, 12 clubs would need to add a combined $636 million in spending. The players association says the delay doesn't fix the problems: less overall pay, no more guaranteed contracts and changes to amateur entry. The league also offered a $1 million minimum salary, earlier free agency and an end to qualifying offers, but only if a cap is adopted. A lockout is expected when the labor deal expires December 1.