Major League Baseball squandered an unprecedented opportunity. It’s gone now.

The endless back and forth between MLB owners and players seems to be heading toward a conclusion. The players association essentially withdrew from negotiations on Friday, demanding owners to set the terms for the 2020 season so long as the players receive their full pro rated salary. We’ll know the details of how this season will look shortly.

In the meantime, it’s fair to wonder: Have these negotiations caused irreparable damage to the sport? Have weeks and weeks of contentious dialogue over billions of dollars at a time like this left a permanent stain on Major League Baseball?

SI’s MLB staff is here to weigh in.

Tom Verducci

The irreparable harm would come if there is no baseball this year, which I don’t see happening. The league will implement a season of around 50 games, and much of this public spat will be forgotten once