MLB Proposes Salary Cap Delay Until 2028
League's latest bargaining offer sets a $180.2 million floor and $258.2 million cap, with a new 2028 start date for the system.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Baseball
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MLB proposed delaying a salary cap and floor system until 2028 in its latest collective bargaining proposal, announced Tuesday. The offer sets a $180.2 million salary floor and a $258.2 million salary cap, both higher than the figures in its June proposal.
Why it matters
The delay is intended, according to MLB, to give teams a smoother transition and more time to prepare their payrolls. The proposal comes as the current collective bargaining agreement is expected to expire, with owners reportedly expected to lock out players at that time.
MLB's proposal would set a $1 million minimum salary for players with at least two years of service and $900,000 for all others. The proposal also includes a 30% increase to the pre-arbitration bonus pool, though the final outcome of negotiations remains unknown.
The players
Major League Baseball (MLB)
MLB is the professional baseball league in the United States and Canada, and its owners set the league's bargaining positions with the players' union.
The details
Under the proposal, the competitive balance tax and revenue sharing system would remain in place in 2027. Four teams currently have more than $258.2 million on the books for 2027, including arbitration projections, while 20 teams have less than $180.2 million.
Timeline
Nov. 3, 2026: MLB announces its salary cap delay proposal.
Dec. 1, 2026: The collective bargaining agreement is expected to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET.
2027: The current competitive balance tax and revenue sharing system remains in effect.
2028: The salary cap and floor system would begin under the proposal.
Season Trajectory
The proposal keeps MLB's existing competitive balance tax and revenue sharing system in place for 2027 before a salary cap and floor would begin in 2028. Small-market teams such as the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, who reached the World Series, contrast with big-market Los Angeles and New York clubs that were swept in the playoffs.
For 2027, the competitive balance tax and revenue sharing rules stay in place, so teams' payroll planning will follow current tax thresholds. Teams above the $258.2 million figure or below the $180.2 million figure will face different spending pressures under the proposal.
The takeaway
The proposal's higher figures than June suggest the league is moving toward a cap and floor, but the 2028 start date leaves time for the sides to negotiate before any lockout. Readers should watch the Dec. 1 expiration for the next concrete development.
What happens next
The collective bargaining agreement is expected to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, when owners are expected to lock out the players.
Further reading
Explore more Baseball coverage for context on league labor negotiations.
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