Major League Baseball proposed a new salary cap in its first talks with the Dodgers in months, though it would have serious ramifications for Los Angeles.
MLB’s salary cap proposal
The proposal introduces a salary cap in 2028, giving teams time to prepare and shed salary accordingly.
The league proposes a $258.2 million cap and a $180.2 million floor. Their last proposal was slightly lower — a $245.3 million cap and a $171.2 million floor.
Additionally, the minimum salary would be $1 million for all players, up from the current $780,000 minimum.
Under this new system, players can hit free agency in five years, a year earlier than the current six-year model.
Other changes include removing the Qualifying Offer system, speeding up 40-man roster promotions, and making it harder for players to get optioned so they aren’t pulled in different directions.
How a salary cap would affect the Dodgers
For 2027, even without accounting for the current free agents, the Dodgers already have a $388.4 million payroll.
As a result, the Dodgers would need to shed around $140 million.
However, since it comes in during 2028, the Dodgers would only need to shave $ 44.4 million, since they have $302.6 million committed in 2028.
The league has said it is “willing to discuss additional appropriate phase-in timeline & procedures for implementation of the Salary Cap and Floor.”
If a cap does develop, the Dodgers and other big-payroll teams will likely get help during implementation.
However, given the MLBPA’s response, a salary cap is still far from becoming reality.
What was the MLBPA’s response?
Immediately after the league announced the proposal, the MLB Players Association rejected it resoundingly.
“Coming off another incredible season of baseball, MLB owners continue to propose blowing up the current system and replacing it with one designed to line their pockets and increase their franchise values,” the MLBPA said.
“Players stand ready to negotiate in good faith toward a new CBA that will capitalize on our sport’s unprecedented momentum and benefit players, clubs, and fans alike.”
While the league and PA going back and forth is better than absolute silence, the line in the sand on the salary cap proposal has been drawn, and neither side seems willing to budge at this point.
