The Guardians are the latest team to publicly question whether they can compete financially in MLB’s current system.
The Guardians Join the CBA Chorus
Cleveland GM Mike Chernoff called it “impossible” for Cleveland to sign top-tier free agents, citing widening revenue gaps between large-market clubs and smaller teams like the Guardians while speaking on the Foul Territory podcast. His message was clear: Cleveland has to win through scouting and development.
The timing is significant. MLB is heading toward a new round of labor negotiations, and competitive balance is expected to be a central issue. The league is widely anticipated to push for a salary cap, while the MLBPA remains skeptical that low-spending teams are truly constrained rather than making strategic choices not to spend.
Cleveland’s projected 2026 luxury-tax payroll sits at $94.7 million — 29th in MLB, ahead of only Miami. The Guardians have cut more than $30 million from payroll this year and now operate at their lowest spending level since 2022. José Ramírez is the only player on the roster making at least $10 million.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesMeanwhile, other smaller-market teams like San Diego, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati are spending at higher levels, complicating the “small market” argument. The disparity between Cleveland and big spenders like the Dodgers and Blue Jays is real, but so is the gap between Cleveland and some of its market peers.
That philosophical divide — “we can’t” versus “you won’t” — is likely to shape the next CBA fight. As Manny Machado put it when discussing the Dodgers’ aggressive spending (via Jesse Rodgers): “Every team should be doing it.”
Players Unified Against a Salary Cap, Owners Unified in Favor of One – So That Seems Great t.co/aYqJhr4lo8
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 20, 2026A’s Say Vegas Ballpark Remains on Track for 2028 Opening
The Athletics say foundation work on their new Las Vegas ballpark is complete and construction remains on schedule for a pre-2028 season opening. Project director Tyler Van Eeckhaut told the Las Vegas Stadium Authority that vertical construction is underway, with buttress work nearing completion and progress continuing on the lower suite level and main concourse. Team officials echoed the same message they delivered in December: deadlines are being met.
The $2 billion, 33,000-seat domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip officially broke ground June 23. Vice chairman Sandy Dean said the A’s have already spent roughly $300 million on the project and have not yet requested the up-to-$380 million in approved public financing from Nevada and Clark County. The team also indicated it has attracted outside investors.
Las Vegas Stadium Authority staff Ed Finger said the A’s have chosen to tap the public funding later in the project and that all expenses thus far have been paid for by A’s owner John Fisher. #vegas #athletics #mlb pic.twitter.com/PgOJsaRrsk
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) February 19, 2026The Stadium Authority approved the sale of personal seat licenses (PCLs), which A’s president Marc Badain said will apply to a limited number of higher-end seats. He noted that demand appears strong, citing a season-ticket deposit list exceeding 20,000 names. Badain added that the club intends to offer seats in the $20–$30 range to ensure accessibility for families.
While construction continues in Las Vegas, the A’s will spend their second of three seasons at a Triple-A stadium in West Sacramento. The team will also host two preseason games and six regular-season contests in Las Vegas this year, with the initial batch of regular-season tickets selling out in 24 hours.
For now, the message from the organization is consistent: tangible progress, on-schedule construction, and growing local interest, all with an eye toward 2028.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesTop 2027 Prospect Jared Grindlinger Reclassifies to 2026
One of the premier talents in high school baseball is accelerating his timeline. Jared Grindlinger, a 16-year-old two-way standout from Huntington Beach (CA), has announced he is reclassifying from the 2027 class to 2026. Grindlinger is currently ranked as the No. 3 high school player in the 2027 class by Baseball America and is viewed as a potential first-round MLB Draft pick.
In a statement, Grindlinger said the decision came after “a lot of careful consideration” with his family, adding that he’s excited for the next step in his career. The younger brother of Tennessee freshman Trent Grindlinger, Jared has already built a national profile as a left-handed pitcher and outfielder with impact tools on both sides of the ball.
ICYMI: No. 3 2027 high school prospect Jared Grindlinger is reclassifying to the 2026 class. More details: t.co/liVnjjamFd pic.twitter.com/berqK7W2sp
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) February 19, 2026As a sophomore last season, Grindlinger hit .343 with two home runs, five doubles, 24 hits, and 17 RBIs. On the mound, he went 5-0 with a 0.87 ERA over 32.1 innings, striking out 34 hitters. His track record extends beyond high school — he has represented USA Baseball at the 12U, 15U, and 18U levels, driving in nearly 20 runs across those appearances.
With the reclassification, Grindlinger immediately becomes one of the most intriguing names in the 2026 draft conversation.
Extra Innings
Nike, and more specifically, Fanatics, have swung and missed a bunch since taking over MLBs uniforms, but this is a home run!The @tigers just dropped two alternate uniforms and they're incredible. Navy jerseys will be showcased on the road, while the orange will be worn at home for select games.Both alternates will be available in the D Shop on Friday – while purchasing them online starts Sunday. pic.twitter.com/IOb7DwJALM
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) February 19, 2026 Bob Melvin is back with the Athletics:Welcome back to the Green & Gold, Bob!We have hired Bob Melvin as Special Assistant, Baseball Operations. pic.twitter.com/a6QHCg3L6j
— Athletics (@Athletics) February 19, 2026 That’s good …Mets hosting Bobby Valentine disguise night as 2026 Citi Field promotion t.co/ZvWMJOyD6N pic.twitter.com/ZfeW24AEmz
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 20, 2026 I have back pain just watching this (but it’s pretty sick!):*caught* in 4K ? t.co/nlfzkC5ZOU pic.twitter.com/COlhHSlysh
— USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) February 19, 2026Hence then, the article about mlbits guardians join the cba chorus a s vegas ballpark remains on track for 2028 opening more was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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