#MLB commissioner Rob Manfred guarantees 2020 season

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred declared Wednesday that “we’re going to play baseball in 2020 — 100 percent.”

Manfred said as much on the MLB Network before the 2020 Draft, and a day after the players sent a counter-proposal to the owners requesting an 89-game schedule with full pro-rated pay.

That offer is expected to be rejected, as the two sides have been haggling over the financial components of a return-to-play deal, even as the NBA and NHL have had few issues reaching deals with their respective players.

If the MLB and union don’t reach a deal, it is expected Manfred would mandate a season of at least 50 games — which would likely tick off the players, who are seeking more games and money, while worsening an already hostile relationship.