MLB proposes shorter season and expanded playoff rounds

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 19:24 · Archive

Major League Baseball proposed shortening the regular season to 154 games from 162 starting in 2029.

Major League Baseball proposed shortening the regular season to 154 games from the current 162, effective in 2029. The proposal also calls for expanding the Division Series to best-of-seven format and allowing higher-seeded teams in the first two rounds of the postseason to pick their opponents beginning next year. Most teams would also have Monday off starting in 2029, except those with nationally broadcast games.

Cutting regular-season games would reduce players' opportunities to set season and career records. MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said the changes would introduce a weekly day off for player health and create a new national broadcast window. He argued that fewer regular-season games would make October better for fans by reducing weekday afternoon games and providing more opportunities to see top pitchers in important games.

Higher seeds selecting opponents would create new competitive dynamics. MLB said player salaries would not be adjusted to reflect the fewer games, though bonus thresholds like those paid for games played would be adjusted to reflect the shortened schedule.

How it is being reported

• MLB proposes shortening regular season to 154 games in 2029, expanding Division Series to best-of-7Major League Baseball proposed to shorten the regular season to 154 games from 162 games starting in 2029 and to expand the Division Series to best-of-seven in bargaining with players.Clickorlando · 8 Oct, 18:50
• MLB proposes shortening regular season to 154 games in 2029, expanding Division Series to best-of-7Major League Baseball proposed to shorten the regular season to 154 games from 162 games starting in 2029 and to expand the Division Series to best-of-seven in bargaining with players.News4Jax · 8 Oct, 18:50

In this story: Major League Baseball · Shohei Ohtani · Glen Caplin · Los Angeles Dodgers · Atlanta Braves

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