MLB's next round of labor negotiations officially began Tuesday with the league and the Major League Baseball Players Association exchanging opening presentations more than six months before the Dec. 1 expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement. The initial meeting was a feeling-out session with no proposals exchanged—just general ideas. It marks the first step in what promises to be a contentious labor battle with the 2027 season hanging in the balance.

The MLBPA is expected to move quickly with its demands, much like in 2021 when the union delivered its first proposal within a month of the initial meeting. Players largely prefer the current system and see no reason to change it. Owners, however, remain firm in their desire for a salary cap system similar to the NFL, NBA and NHL. Rob Manfred will set the tone for the league as commissioner, with Dan Halem serving as chief negotiator and Bruce Meyer leading the MLBPA's efforts.

If the sides cannot reach a deal by Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, MLB owners can lock out players, shutting down all league business until a new agreement is reached—the same outcome as the 2021-2022 negotiations. The great unknown is whether these diametrically opposed viewpoints lead to disillusionment or jump-start the progress both sides need.