New Baseball Union Chief Rejects Salary Cap, Defends Free Agency

Bruce Meyer vows to protect players' rights in first full day as head of the players' union.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In his first full day as the new head of the baseball players' union, Bruce Meyer firmly defended free agency and salary arbitration, ruling out any possibility of a salary cap or other restrictions on player salaries.

Why it matters

The relationship between team owners and players over issues like free agency and salaries has long been contentious in professional baseball. Meyer's stance signals a continued push by the union to protect players' rights and earning potential.

The details

Meyer stated that the union will continue to fight against any attempts by team owners to implement a salary cap or other limits on player salaries. He emphasized the importance of free agency and salary arbitration as key tools for players to maximize their earning potential.

  • Bruce Meyer took over as head of the baseball players' union on February 15, 2026.

The players

Bruce Meyer

The new head of the baseball players' union, who has vowed to defend free agency and salary arbitration for players.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let team owners take away the rights that players have fought for over decades. Free agency and salary arbitration are essential to ensuring players are paid their fair market value.”

— Bruce Meyer, Head of the Baseball Players' Union

What’s next

The players' union and team owners are expected to begin negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement in the coming months, with the current deal set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This stance by the new union leader signals an ongoing battle between players and owners over the economic structure of the sport, with the players' union determined to protect the hard-won rights and earning potential of its members.