The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) proposed banning prop bets on individual players, with the aim of restricting wagers on specific baseball outcomes tied to players’ performances. The proposal also sought clarification on how players could endorse legal betting operators, including prediction markets.
According to ESPN, the proposed ban would include all player prop bets placed before or during a game. Under the proposal, sportsbooks, daily fantasy operators, and prediction markets would no longer be permitted to offer wagers or event contracts based on individual player performances.
ESPN reported that the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) already prohibits players from using their name, uniform number, image, or likeness to advertise, promote or encourage betting on (for or against) any baseball game or event.
On discipline and compliance, the MLBPA proposal states that any player under investigation would be placed on administrative leave. It also asked that players punished for sports betting violations be allowed to go on a 15-day unpaid rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues near the end of their suspension.
The stakes of player prop betting were illustrated in the reporting with figures showing how large a portion of wagering can be linked to these markets. According to ESPN, prop bets can make up to 30% of the total amount wagered on a specific game, while NBC Sports reported that prop bets can account for 20% to 30% of the total amount wagered on a given game.
The proposal was discussed against examples and sportsbook rules already in place. In 2025, Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was accused of taking bribes to help gamblers win prop bets, including the result of his next pitch, according to reporting cited by Casino.com. MLB and partner sportsbooks also implemented a rule placing a $250 limit on first-pitch prop bets, according to Casino.com.
Separate from the betting provisions, CBS Sports said the current CBA expires on Dec. 1, with owners expected to lock out the players at that point. CBS also recalled that owners locked out the players during the last round of CBA talks, leading to a 99-day lockout that delayed spring training and the 2022 regular season.
In the same CBS report on the MLBPA’s proposals ahead of the CBA’s expiration, interim executive director Bruce Meyer said the MLBPA presented “a comprehensive set of economic proposals designed to advance the rights and benefits of players at all levels.” Glen Caplin, MLB’s spokesman, said MLB appreciated the union’s proposals and looked forward to continuing the bargaining process as the Dec. 1 deadline approached.
