MLB Won't Accept Players Counter Offer, Season Still Up in the Air

Major League Baseball will not budge from its stance on a 60-game season, even after the Players Union countered with a 70-game season just a day after many believed the division between the League and the Players Union was healing.

Now with both sides once again dug in, it is up to the players to either accept the owners 60-game proposal or reject it and force Commissioner Rob Manfred to implement a schedule.

The problem hovering over any agreement, however, is the Coronavirus. According to reports, the Phillies, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers all shut down due to spikes in cases of the virus.

Five Philadelphia Phillies players have tested positive for the virus. There are even reports that one Astros player an two LA Angels players have also tested positive.

Even if Major League Baseball and the Players Union agreed to a season, there is no guarantee now that it would even happen with the virus still a clear and present danger.

Anyone still holding out hope for a season should start to forget it. It's going to be very, very difficult. The virus, plus two sides so heavily entrenched on their positions make it nearly impossible for baseball to return cleanly this year.

While the season hasn't been officially canceled, if and when it happens, it could have long term effects on a sport that has struggled in recent years and decades to draw fan interest.  A lot of fans are turned off by the bitter negotiations and probably won't comeback. The sport is at a critical juncture. It needs a solution, and needs one soon.