The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has proposed a series of changes to the collective bargaining agreement, including limiting the number of times a player can be optioned to the minor leagues, increasing minimum salaries, and awarding service time for players on optional assignment, according to multiple reports from July 2026.
The proposal, which was presented to Major League Baseball (MLB) during ongoing negotiations, aims to address player concerns about frequent roster moves that can delay free agency and reduce earnings. Under the current system, players can be optioned to the minors multiple times without their consent, often affecting their service time accumulation and pay.
Specific details of the proposal include a cap on the number of optional assignments per player per season, a higher minimum salary for players on optional assignment, and service time credit for days spent in the minors on optional assignment. The MLBPA has not publicly disclosed the exact numbers, but sources indicate the union is seeking significant changes to the current structure.
MLB has not yet responded formally to the proposal. The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire after the 2026 season, and both sides are expected to continue negotiations throughout the summer. The proposal is seen as a key step in addressing long-standing grievances about player compensation and career progression.
