Cherington 'confident' MLB will have a season

After over a week of negotiations between Major League Baseball and the players association, it does not appear either side is much closer towards a deal for how to start the 2020 season.

Originally, the league had hoped to restart spring training on June 10. With each passing day, that becomes more and more unlikely. And with the owners insistent on not playing games into November, that could mean the window to make a deal and save the season is closing.

Despite those ominous signs, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington is remaining optimistic.

"We remain confident that there will be a season," Cherington said during a Zoom call with local reporters Wednesday.



Cherington gave two reasons for his optimism. The first dealt with how the league is approaching health concerns. While player compensation may be what ultimately makes or breaks the season, both sides have said that keeping players healthy is the most important issue.

"Obviously, that’s gonna guide anything that we do in terms of a season," Cherington said. "It just simply has to be. That has to be at the forefront."

The players association has requested more frequent testing from MLB, believing that can allow them to loosen some of its proposed restrictions and protocols, like not being allowed to shower in stadiums or use hydrotherapy pools.

"I’m confident just because I know how much effort has gone into building those protocols, and continuing to edit those protocols as we get more information [and] as we get feedback from different groups, including players," Cherington said.

Health can also apply to keeping players injury-free. Recently, the Pirates began transitioning their pitchers from throwing just bullpen and side sessions to throwing live batting practice. Starters are currently on a normal throwing schedule, throwing a couple innings every five days with a bullpen session in between.

The second reason Cherington gave was he still believes MLB, the teams and the players are all still motivated to get a deal done. Failing to play a 2020 season would have an enormous negative impact, both for players and teams in the short-term, and for the long-term impact of how the public would view the sport if they didn't play.

"When groups are motivated, it gives us a chance to find a solution," Cherington said. "I believe there’s enough motivation to get there.

"Of course, until it happens, we can’t be certain. We can’t guarantee. But that’s why I’m confident."