MLB’s salary cap proposal could quickly change Reds' long-term plans for Elly De La Cruz

Major League Baseball made their first contract proposal to the MLB Player's Association this week, and among the items included was a salary-cap system. This is an issue that many baseball fans (and owners) have been clamoring for over the past few decades, but the MLBPA is staunchly opposed to such a drastic change.

The MLBPA released a statement on Thursday saying as much, stating the league's attempt to institute a salary-cap system would harm players, erode or eliminate guaranteed contracts, and lead to more work stoppages. The Player's Association views the owner's proposal as a means to control costs and maximize profits at the expense of the players.

But also included in the league's initial proposal was a salary floor; a minimum spending threshold all teams must meet. MLB's starting point in these negotiations was a $171.2 million salary floor and a ceiling of $245.3 million beginning in 2027.

The Cincinnati Reds current payroll for the 2026 season is estimated at $128 million, meaning they'd have to add an another $43 million to next year's budget in order to fit into MLB's proposal salary structure. This could certainly open the door for the Reds to negotiate a long-term contract extension with Elly De La Cruz.

MLB's proposal could help keep Elly De La Cruz in a Reds uniform

The Reds reportedly attempted to sign De La Cruz to a record-breaking contract last spring. Cincinnati supposedly offered their star shortstop a deal similar to the 10-year, $225 million contract Joey Votto signed in 2012.

But baseball economics have changed quite a bit over the past 14 years, and De La Cruz's representation knows that he would receive a much bigger offer on the open market after becoming a free agent. He plays a premium position, hits for power from both sides of the plate, and possesses game-changing speed. In short, he has the makings of a perennial MVP candidate.

But if MLB's proposal forces small and mid-market teams to spend more money, while at the same time capping how much big-market clubs can spend, top-tier players like De La Cruz might find a similar (or even higher) payday by staying with their current organizations.

There's still a long way to go before MLB and the Player's Association come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement, and it's quite possible that the current dispute will result in a lockout and perhaps even missed games next season. But if the eventual deal results in De La Cruz spending his entire career in Cincinnati, Reds fans would likely accept a prolonged labor dispute.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow