MLB pushes to revamp offseason, including signing windows for free agents, in CBA talks

Key Points:

• Major League Baseball proposed a new offseason calendar featuring two signing windows for free agents: a brief period starting at the Winter Meetings in December and a second window in February, with a "quiet period" in November restricting signings to current teams only.
• The proposal includes weekly roster setting during the season, changes to injury list durations based on Monday-to-Monday spans, and an increase in the maximum number of pitchers allowed on active rosters from 13 to 14.
• MLB aims to revise the Rule 5 draft by allowing teams to send selected players to the minors while retaining them and making players eligible for the draft earlier in their careers.
• The league’s proposals are contingent on players agreeing to a salary cap, which the players' union strongly opposes, arguing it would reduce player compensation, eliminate guaranteed contracts, and diminish player rights.
• With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1, a lockout is expected if no deal is reached, potentially delaying offseason activities and threatening regular-season games if negotiations extend into the spring.