Major League Baseball proposes delaying salary cap start until 2028 in talks with players

Major League Baseball has proposed delaying the start of a salary cap and floor system until 2028, citing too many existing financial commitments for teams to adjust quickly for the 2026-27 offseason. In talks with the players, MLB outlined a hard cap of $258.2 million and a mandatory floor of $180.2 million for 2028, using luxury-tax payroll concepts. MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said the approach would allow a smoother transition while preserving key benefits like earlier free agency and a $1 million minimum salary. The labor contract expires Dec. 1, and a lockout is expected. MLB also suggested a one-time bonus tied to 2026 service time.