What happened: Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association convened their first official collective-bargaining session, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported. The current CBA expires Dec. 1, 2026, and the opening presentations served as basic overviews of each side's positions. No proposals of substance were exchanged in the initial meeting.

Why it matters: The CBA expiration sets up the sport's most consequential labor stretch since the 2022 lockout, which delayed the start of that season. Core economic issues — competitive balance tax thresholds, minimum salaries, service-time manipulation, and a possible salary floor — are expected to drive the talks. A failure to reach agreement by Dec. 1 would raise the threat of another work stoppage heading into the 2027 season.

What to watch: Watch for the cadence of follow-up sessions and any leaks on which economic pillars each side prioritizes. Public posturing from owners and the union over the summer will shape leverage as the December deadline approaches.