What happened: The MLB Players Association put forward a set of proposals in collective bargaining with the owners, headlined by moving the trade deadline earlier, to a July 21-27 window rather than the current July 28-Aug. 3 range. The union also proposed new limits on player demotions and expanding active rosters to 28 players for the first 15 days of the season, up from 26.

Why it matters: The trade deadline and roster rules sit at the center of how contenders build and how service time and demotions affect players' earnings, so any shift carries real weight for both sides. An earlier deadline would compress front-office decision windows, while tighter demotion limits and larger early-season rosters speak directly to player job security and pay.

What to watch: Watch for the owners' response at the bargaining table and whether the deadline and roster figures survive as talks continue.