MLB talks produce progress, anger as deadline approaches

Mets pitcher Max Scherzer signs autographs for fans after players and MLB concluded labor talks Saturday in Jupiter, Fla. | Ron Blum/AP

JUPITER, Fla. — Major League Baseball negotiations took several steps forward and overcame a possible breakdown after testy talks Saturday, leaving less than two days until management’s deadline for an agreement to salvage opening day on March 31 and a 162-game schedule.

While the sides moved toward each other on some topics, they remained far apart on the biggest economic issues: luxury tax thresholds and rates, the minimum salary and the new pre-arbitration bonus pool.