What happened: The MLB Players Association has updated its latest collective bargaining agreement proposal, adding pitching qualifications intended to prevent teams from manipulating their rosters. The revised language focuses on limiting how clubs can option and demote pitchers as a roster-management tactic.
Why it matters: Roster manipulation and service-time gamesmanship have become central sticking points in labor talks, and the union is pressing for structural protections rather than case-by-case fixes. The updated terms sharpen the MLBPA's priorities as both sides work toward a new deal amid growing warnings that baseball could face a work stoppage.
By the numbers: The broader union proposal package also seeks a larger roster and a shift in the trade deadline window to July 21-27, moving it up from the current July 28-Aug. 3 range.
What to watch: Watch for the owners' counter to the revised terms and whether the two sides narrow their gap before the current agreement expires.