MLB players thought they had made a deal to prorate their salaries for a shortened 2020 season, but the accounting picture MLB presents demonstrates why they’re trying to change that agreement.
In a report presented to players on May 12, MLB estimated that it would lose $640,000 per game over an 82-game season even if salaries are prorated, according to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press. Teams also contend that the more games are played, the more money they lose.
Under the league’s estimates, higher-market teams would have the most to lose. The New York Yankees would miss out on $312 million, the highest figure in the league. The Detroit Tigers, at an estimated $84 million, are the lowest.
The figures were calculated by MLB, which has led to skepticism from the MLBPA that the situation is quite as dire as presented. They do not want to make a deal as they feel like they already have an agreement on prorated salaries, while the league says that was contingent on a shortened season with fans in stands.
MLB has frequently painted a devastating financial picture as a result of the pandemic. There’s no disputing that this has been awful for sports, and these figures underscore that if they’re even close to accurate.
