MLB, umpires reach tentative deal for new CBA

Major League baseball and the Major League Baseball Umpires Association came to a tentative agreement on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement on Monday, pending ratification by the umpires and owners next month.

The previous contract between the league and umpires ran out after the 2024 season and the sides have been negotiating this winter, coming to an agreement before the Christmas holiday.

“It’s a fair contract and the OTC (office of the commissioner) treated us with respect throughout the negotiations,” the union said in a statement. “We understand the role we play in our game and have worked hard to build our relationship into a partnership with open communications. We look forward to the continued positive growth in the game in the years to come.”

The agreement means the league is likely to move forward with its plans to test their ABS (automated balls and strikes) system during spring training this year. One of the final steps was working out specifics with the MLBUA.