Top officials from Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association met Tuesday to officially open up collective bargaining talks a little more than six months before the expiration of the game's labor deal, sources told ESPN. In a face-to-face meeting in New York, each side offered opening presentations, sources said, though no proposals were made. MLB intends to pursue a salary cap system, a financial structure that players staunchly oppose. The current deal, which came after a 99-day lockout by the league that threatened the beginning of the 2022 season, expires Dec. 1. If there is no agreement by the time the deal lapses, MLB is expected to again lock out the players, causing a work stoppage that could jeopardize games in the 2027 season. During the opening presentations, sources said, the sides outlined their views on the game, noting challenges they see and opportunities to use labor negotiations as a tool to move it forward.…