MLB Owners' Meetings: Pace-Of-Play Rule Changes In Focus

MLB owners today begin their quarterly meeting in Beverly Hills, with several hot-button labor issues primed for discussion. The league this winter has been unable to reach an agreement on pace-of-play rule modifications, and owners will consider their next steps. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred maintains the right to impose rule changes unilaterally, but has often stated his preference is to reach a deal with the players. The two sides are still talking, and announcements of new rules this week are not expected. But with Spring Training starting in two weeks and exhibition games on Feb. 23, urgency is quickly escalating around the issue.

Discussion also will center on the ongoing and historically slow offseason player market in which more than 130 free agents, including numerous All-Stars, remain without contracts for the '18 season. Also, owners today will hear an address from Allen & Co. Managing Dir Steve Greenberg, a longtime influential figure in MLB team sales and media-rights negotiations.