"It's a fair contract and the OTC [Office of the Commissioner] treated us with respect throughout the negotiations," the MLBUA said in a statement. "We understand the role we play in our game and have worked hard to build our relationship into a partnership with open communications. We look forward to the continued positive growth in the game in the years to come."
Should the new CBA be ratified by the clubs and umpires next month, it will mark the fifth straight five-year deal to be reached before the expiration of the previous agreement. The new deal could also signal a green light for MLB to begin testing the automated ball-strike challenge system during Spring Training. Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned the possibility during the All-Star break in July, and again following the Owners Meetings in November, though he said it is unlikely that the system will be implemented during the 2025 regular season.