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According to multiple sources: Yes. Whatever you think is happening right now is. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association are either on the cusp of a deal that would bring the season back for roughly 60 games starting in mid-July, or the two are nowhere closer than they were when everyone was bickering very publicly just days ago.
The whole thing started with Jon Heyman reporting that the two sides were nearing an agreement around 2:23 p.m. ET.
Breaking: MLB and players union are closing in on an agreement to play the 2020 season, via players. Deal expected to be for prorated pay and include expanded playoffs.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 17, 2020
And then came the reports of “momentum” towards a deal, revolving around recent discussions between Rob Manfred and Tony Clark:
It probably should be assumed if Manfred flew to meet with Clark that he was authorized by his bosses (the owners) to deliver an offer that was either acceptable or pretty darn close to it. Even the most pessimistic folks I am texting with right now say momentum is toward a deal.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 17, 2020
Major League Baseball has sent a new proposal to the MLB Players Association, sources tell ESPN. No deal is done, but with Rob Manfred and Tony Clark having met, this is seen as significant progress considering where the parties were 48 hours ago.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 17, 2020
But then here comes the MLBPA swooping in to Mutombo-finger the whole party:
Reports of an agreement are false.
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 17, 2020
It seems to me that a number of significant journalists wouldn’t suddenly get the same leaks unless the two sides truly were close. And/or it’s just MLB once again trying to squeeze any leverage they can by making it seem like a deal is close and it’s the big bad MLBPA slowing things down because they don’t want to waive their rights to sue over contracting a deadly disease.
Either way, discussions are clearly happening and there’s a faint light at the end of the tunnel.