On deadline day, MLB labor talks go into extra innings

As night fell on the 89th day of the MLB-imposed lockout Monday — the MLB-imposed deadline to agree to a new labor contract and save the on-time start of the season — there was no such agreement.

But MLB didn’t follow through — yet — on its threat to cancel games, either.

After a 16-hour, 13-meeting negotiating marathon Monday into early Tuesday morning, Players Association and MLB officials agreed to reconvene later Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports. MLB pushed its purported deadline to 5 p.m.

It wasn’t clear how close they were to finalizing a collective bargaining agreement and compromising on the most significant issues, including the competitive balance tax, the size of the playoff field, bonuses for pre-arbitration players and minimum salaries. But that those involved didn’t storm off, as they did Saturday, and stayed on site at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, for so long suggested progress.

Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters gathered outside the ballpark shortly after 6 p.m., "We’re working on it." A union representative told the same group of media a couple of hours later that the sides were "still very far apart on key components" of a deal, cautioning them to temper optimism.

The eighth consecutive day of negotiations began at 10 a.m. Monday, three hours earlier than most of the preceding days. In the bargaining sessions — which were separated by the sides meeting among themselves, sometimes for more than an hour — MLB was led by deputy commissioner Dan Halem, the players’ union by executive director Tony Clark and chief negotiator Bruce Meyer.

Manfred, who mostly has not been present in person during these talks, attended two of the meetings Monday.

Earlier Monday, players used social media to weigh in — sometimes lightheartedly, sometimes less so — as their sport flirted with indefinitely pushing back the start of its season.

The Phillies’ Bryce Harper, the reigning NL MVP, posted on Instagram an edited photo of him wearing a Yomiuri Giants uniform with the message: "Aye @yomiuri.giants you up? Got some time to kill. I know you got [agent Scott Boras’] number. Let’s talk."

Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo posted screenshots of his LinkedIn account — which really exists — with the comment, "I’m new here @LinkedIn."

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was among the players giving props to Derek Jeter on the day he abruptly quit as Marlins CEO, writing "#Re2pect" on Instagram. Mets pitcher Drew Smith, in a tweet, referred to Manfred as "little Robbie" and added a clown emoji.

The marathon day of talks reportedly began with MLB suggesting it was willing to miss a month of games.

"Players are used to their ‘threats,’ " Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon wrote in a tweet, referring to MLB. "Owners actions have made it clear all along that they have a set # of games where they still make profits/get TV money. They don’t want to play. It’s sad that these are the guys who drive the direction and ‘future’ of our amazing sport."

Atlanta pitcher Tyler Matzek tweeted: "Owners should consider putting a runner on second to end the lockout."

And Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker cracked: "I really need to know if I’m buying my Batman tickets in AZ or Florida."

The details of the points of contention are dense, but here’s a look at where MLB and the players stand on a few issues, according to sources and various reports, based on the most recent available information:

***  Competitive balance tax: MLB suggested a first luxury-tax threshold of $214 million, $215M, $216M, $218M and $222M over a five-year collective bargaining agreement. It also wanted tax rates of 45% for the first threshold, 62% for the second and 95% for the third, all of which are far more severe than in the previous CBA.

The Players Association wanted the luxury tax to start at $245M and grow to $275M by year five, with tax rates starting at 20%, same as recent years.

***  Playoff field: MLB badly wants a 14-team playoff field. The PA is willing to agree to expanded playoffs but has held firm at 12 teams, up from last season’s 10.

This is a big deal for MLB because it already has sold to ESPN the broadcasting rights for the first round of the expanded playoffs. That deal is worth $100 million per year.

***  Pre-arbitration bonus pool: The PA wanted the top 150 pre-arbitration players to get $115 million in bonuses. MLB is at $20 million for 30 players.