Major League Baseball players are proposing changes to roster rules in bargaining with MLB, including reducing how often players can be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to waivers. Multiple reports say the players want to limit optional assignments to the minors to a maximum of three per season, down from five. The proposal is described as an effort to reduce roster churn, particularly as teams increasingly rely on relief pitchers for late-inning roles. The reports also say the union asked to expand the active roster size from 26 to 28 during the first 15 days of each season. Under that request, teams would carry up to 14 pitchers during that period, compared with 13 under the current structure. Separately, the proposed roster changes are presented as potentially allowing teams to protect more players from the Rule 5 draft at the winter meetings, with the explanation that players on the 60-day injured list do not count against the 40-man roster limit. Discussions are taking place during bargaining sessions with MLB.