Cap Talk Heats MLB CBA Standoff After Owners Meetings

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred outlined the league’s first formal economics proposal: a $245.3 million salary cap with a $171.2 million floor, a 50-50 revenue split, and escrow to cover underperformance. The MLBPA countered with a plan to raise revenue sharing and set a base threshold around $300 million, preserving the luxury tax but adding a “competitive integrity tax.” Manfred framed the cap as a competitive-balance issue and signaled willingness to consider drastic changes, though stopped short of endorsing a hard cap. With the CBA expiring December 1, an offseason lockout appears likely, and expansion talks remain on hold until a new agreement is in place; the Padres’ sale near $4 billion was noted as a broader context.