MLB looking to increase DL and option stays

[Chuck]

According to the Associated Press, Major League Baseball is seeking to increase the DL and option time minimums for players.

MLB shifted from a 15-day disabled list to a 10-day disabled list in 2016, as part of baseball's new labor contract, but the league now wants to move it back to 15 after watching teams game the system, particularly in rotating middle relievers and back-end starters. Major League Baseball also wants to require players who are optioned to the minor leagues to remain there for 15 days, rather than the current 10. Per the Associated Press report: "Talks are ongoing and are expected to extend to the eve of spring training, if not beyond."

Source: Associated Press

[totdprods]

That would put quite the strain on any attempt at a 6-man rotation.

No doubt teams exploited it, but I liked the roster flexibility it allowed. If they increased to a 26 (or 27, to align with 27 outs and make it a nice baseball number) man roster that’s be a great compromise.

Maybe try and encourage teams to treat the 27th man almost as a ‘player-coach’ and and have it be an unwritten  understanding that this extra roster slot be used for teams to, put gently, sunset aging, expensive vets - or one-year roleplayers - without actually affecting their everyday roster. Player still gets his money and the freedom to retire on their terms more easily, and the team doesn’t have to uncomfortably DFA an aging icon or waste a roster spot. 

You couldn’t really force a team to utilize it that way, but it could be used in that capacity.

Edited January 26, 2019 by totdprods

[Docwaukee]

How can they do that now?  Teams spent the off season building their teams based on the current rules.  If they had done this right at the end of the season then fine.  Now they should wait till next year.  

[OregonLAA]

Thanks Dodgers