Cubs could benefit from MLB's latest CBA proposal and Jed Hoyer likely knows it

There's one month remaining in the regular season, and after the playoffs in October, it could be a long time before baseball is played again. MLB appears to be headed toward a work stoppage, and the latest proposals offer no hope that a resolution will be made in time to salvage the entire 2027 season. MLB recently submitted a new proposal that almost certainly will be a non-starter for the MLBPA, but it does alter free agency in a way the Chicago Cubs and Jed Hoyer would likely prefer.

As detailed by ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the proposal would see free agency start would start the Monday of the winter meetings, and conclude two weeks after. Once the initial window closes, free agents wouldn't be allowed to sign until the first Monday of February. The same rules would also apply to trades.

An important note is that while signings and trades wouldn't be made official until the designated windows, negotiations can still take place as they have in the past.

In love with deadlines, Jed Hoyer probably is a fan of this MLB free agency idea

Hoyer has made no secret in the past that he loves when there is a deadline. It creates urgency among all parties involved, and it leads to a deal being made. It's why Hoyer is never inactive at the trade deadline, because he loves what it represents. Given that philosophy, it would be fair to suggest the Cubs' president would be a fan of this structure for free agency.

That being said, there's no scenario where the players would go for this format. As much as Major League Baseball is trying to create a free agency frenzy, the reality is that teams would likely suppress the market until February when the restrictions are removed ahead of spring training.

Outside of free agency, there would also be a change to roster rules. Weekly rosters would become the norm, with teams needing to set their rosters before Monday afternoon and it will be locked until the following Sunday. There would be exceptions for injuries. It's hard to imagine most front office executives would be a fan of this rule, considering the up-and-down nature with which bullpens are handled during the week.

The Rule 5 Draft would also see some changes, with players being eligible a season earlier than they currently are. While they would be required to stay on a team's 40-man roster, they would be able to be optioned to the minors. Honestly, this would be a needed change for the current process.

Overall, while there's no chance of this proposal being accepted, some of the concepts aren't as outlandish as what MLB has previously suggested. Still, there's little hope that a lockout can be avoided.

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