What happened: Major League Baseball has proposed delaying the implementation of a salary cap until the 2028 season during collective bargaining talks. The league's updated proposal offers to raise the minimum player salary to $1 million in 2027 and lower free agency eligibility from six years to five. League officials outlined phasing in the model to grant clubs a full offseason to prepare for operating within a payroll cap and floor.

Why it matters: A salary cap remains the most contentious economic issue between ownership and players, who have historically rejected hard spending limits. Trimming service-time requirements for free agency would accelerate player mobility and alter multiyear contract structures across baseball. Phasing in the economic framework avoids an immediate disruption for franchises currently planning their 2026 winter business.

What to watch: The MLB Players Association will evaluate the proposal as both sides continue negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement.