MLB proposes free agent signing windows and roster rule changes

Major League Baseball owners have introduced a proposal to modify free agent signing periods and in-season roster designations ahead of the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement on December 1. The proposal includes a quiet period limiting contract finalizations to specific windows in December and February. Additionally, the league intends to replace the current 10-day and 15-day injured lists with one-week and two-week designations based on weekly Monday cycles. The 60-day injured list would shift to a 12-week designation, while active roster caps would remain at 26 players but allow for 14 pitchers. These changes remain tethered to owner demands for a salary cap and floor, which many analysts suggest could lead to a lockout once the current agreement concludes. Formal negotiations are expected to accelerate following the expiration of the existing contract.

• 12:04 PMYahoo Sports — Latest MLB labor proposal revamps free agent timelines, in-season roster rules