NEW YORK — Several people familiar with the deal say Major League Baseball and its umpires have reached agreement on a five-year labor contract.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because both sides still need to ratify the deal next month.
The previous five-year agreement was set to expire on Dec. 31.
Representatives of the World Umpires Association and owners met this week in New York to discuss the new contract.
MLB has enjoyed labor peace with players and umpires for more than a decade without the threat of work stoppages. This was the last major labor deal in baseball under Commissioner Bud Selig, who will be succeeded by Rob Manfred on Jan. 25.
