Ryan Spilborghs breaks down MLB's proposed salary cap and floor: why owners want it, why players should push back on this version, and the ideas that could actually help competitive balance (a bigger roster, expansion to 32 teams, a performance pool and front-office standards). He also covers Hal Steinbrenner's role, the Padres' record sale, attendance swings, and how the Brewers and Rays win on smaller budgets.

Corrections: MLB says 8 clubs would cut a combined $578M and 12 would add $617M (mlb.com/news/mlb-proposed-salary-cap-floor-system). The Pirates, not the Reds, travel the fewest miles in 2026 (thebiglead.com). 162-game seasons began in 1961 (AL) and 1962 (NL), not 1969 (mlb.com).