MLB makes radical proposal on free agency with a December window and deadline that the union quickly rejected https://t. Via @BNightengale on X

What happened: The calendar would extend the post-World Series quiet period to the Monday of the Winter Meetings, when contracts with new teams could begin to be finalized. Players could re-sign with their former clubs during the quiet period.

Why it matters: The calendar is contingent on a salary cap-and-floor system, tying transaction rules to baseball's central labor dispute. The union argues the compressed market would reduce player leverage and pit free agents against one another.

By the numbers: The main signing window would last roughly two to three weeks and close at 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. A 42-day freeze would then run until noon ET on Feb. 1, 2027.

What to watch: Further bargaining will determine whether the sides can narrow their split before the current labor agreement expires Dec. 1.

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