Author: Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred may not want to say it, but I will. There will be a baseball season. I guarantee it.

MLB’s owners and players association are at an impasse as both sides try to negotiate a 2020 season.

Major League Baseball informed the players union Monday that several major-league players and coaches have tested positive for COVID-19.

After rejecting MLB’s latest offer, the union now is simply waiting for the commissioner to impose a short season, perhaps as few as 50 games.

We’re seeing a smidgen of urgency, but the league and players’ union aren’t any closer to a deal than they were when negotiations started 10 days ago.

MLB sent a proposal to the union Friday that calls for a 72-game season and up to 16 playoff teams, instead of 10. Time is ticking down on a deal.

While there are no hard deadlines in these negotiations between MLB and players, time is of the essence for baseball to play close to a half-season.

MLB prepares for a potential season with the aim of finishing it in November before the US could be subjected to another coronavirus lockdown.

MLB owners approved a revenue-sharing agreement that could help bring baseball back in July, but the proposal is expected to be rejected by players.

Major League Baseball owners are set to vote on an historic revenue-sharing agreement that could help bring baseball back by early July.