Overview
- USA TODAY reports a Dec. 1, 2026 work stoppage looks increasingly likely as owners escalate a salary-cap push and the MLBPA refuses to consider it.
- Los Angeles boosted its CBT payroll above $400 million by signing Kyle Tucker for $60 million per year, the highest annual salary on record excluding Shohei Ohtani’s heavily deferred deal.
- Jeff Passan says MLB would lock out players if no agreement is reached by the CBA’s expiration, noting a cap would curb star earnings and squeeze future megadeals.
- Owners cite cost certainty and competitive balance, with some floating a higher payroll floor alongside a cap, but union leaders including Tony Clark call a cap wage suppression.
- RSN upheaval—highlighted by Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy and rebrand—has intensified disputes over local TV revenue and potential centralization in the next agreement.