MLB proposes 154-game season with best-of-seven playoffs

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 21:55 · Archive

Major League Baseball owners propose reducing the regular season from 162 to 154 games and expanding the Division Series to best-of-seven format.

Major League Baseball owners have proposed a new 154-game regular season, down from the current 162-game slate implemented in 1961. The proposal was submitted to the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday as negotiations continue on a new labour deal before the current collective-bargaining agreement expires on December 1.

The owners argue that the shorter season would allow for a weekly off-day for player health and create a new national broadcast window to showcase the sport's best teams and players. The proposal also includes expanding the Division Series from a best-of-five format, which has been used since 1995, to a best-of-seven format. Most of these changes would take effect in 2029 to coincide with the next national media deal.

The proposal also suggested allowing the highest seeds in both the Wild Card and Division Series to choose their opponents. MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said this would 'create compelling storylines, intensify existing rivalries and create new ones' whilst allowing more opportunities for the best pitchers to play on the biggest stage with fewer weekday afternoon games. Fan reaction to the opponent-selection proposal was negative, with many objecting on social media to teams being able to pick their opponents.

How it is being reported

• Baseball fans slam 'dumbest' new MLB proposal amid wild new playoff format plans and owners' push for shorter seasonsMajor League Baseball team owners want to cut the regular season down from 162 to 154 games while drastically reformatting the playoffs, according to a proposal.Daily Mail Sport · 8 Oct, 21:32
• Major League Baseball proposes shortening its regular season as it pushes for a salary capMajor League Baseball proposed a return to a shorter 154-game regular season schedule as it attempts to convince players to approve a salary cap.CNBC · 8 Oct, 21:16
• MLB proposes reverting schedule back to its old ways, but not without a wild postseason twistMajor League Baseball's proposal includes a 154-game season with weekly off-days and a best-of-seven Division Series starting as early as 2029.Fox News · 8 Oct, 20:41

In this story: Major League Baseball · New York Yankees · Boston Red Sox · San Diego Padres · Chicago Cubs · Tampa Bay Rays

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