A view of baseballs during opening week before the baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field.
Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images.
Major League Baseball is considering a significant change to its offseason calendar that would concentrate free agent signings into a short December window, though the proposal is expected to face resistance from the players' union.
MLB has proposed allowing free agents to sign during a two- to three-week period in December before shutting down signings until the first Monday in February, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The change is intended to avoid a slow stream of transactions throughout the offseason, but Nightengale reported that the union is expected to reject the proposal.
Under the plan, the initial signing period would begin on the Monday of the winter meetings in early December and close Dec. 21. Teams could negotiate with free agents beginning five days after the World Series, but agreements could not be finalized until the winter meetings.
Trades would also be prohibited between the end of the December window and the reopening of free agency in February.
The proposed format is intended to create a concentrated period of offseason activity similar to free agency in the NFL and NBA. However, MLB has proposed the change only as part of a salary cap system, which the MLB Players Association opposes.
Article Continues Below
ClutchQuiz
Question 1 of 4
Who was the last player to hit .400 in a season?
The union criticized the proposal Thursday, saying an “artificial” signing window “would reduce player leverage and create a game of musical chairs pitting player vs. player.”
“The suggestion that the only way to limit roster churn, or incentivize earlier Free Agent signings is with a salary cap is entirely unserious,” the MLBPA said, as reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. “Players have proposed changes that would address these priorities, but the league is not interested in any changes that don't directly reduce the rights of all players and shift leverage to the owners.”
The proposal is part of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. MLB has also proposed weekly rosters, reducing the maximum number of minor league options from five to four per season and allowing teams to carry 14 pitchers instead of 13.
Changes to the Rule 5 draft are also under consideration, including making players eligible one year earlier and allowing selections to be optioned to the minor leagues.