The baseball season in the Major Leagues (MLB) could suffer significant changes from 2029, according to a proposal presented by the league to the Players Association. The project includes a reduction of the calendar from 162 to 154 games and an expansion of the Division Series to best-of-seven matches. Teams with better records in the regular season would have advantages, such as the possibility of choosing their rival in the Wild Card Round and in the Division Series.
The proposal also presents the incorporation of more rest days during the season and postseason, which would benefit pitchers and allow for better planning of games. Mondays would be regular rest days, except for certain exceptions, and teams that play on that day would have their rest day on Thursday.
<h2 Fewer games, same salary
The reduction of eight games would not imply a reduction in player salaries. Bonus thresholds, options, and similar arrangements would be adjusted proportionally. This means that players would not see their income affected despite the reduction in the calendar.
<h2 Advantages for top teams
The possibility of choosing a rival would directly reward teams with better records and increase the importance of each victory during the 154 games. The third seed in each league, which will be the division champion with the third-best record, will be able to choose between the fifth and sixth classified in the Wild Card Round. The top seed in each league would select, once the Wild Card Round is concluded, which of the two winners would face in the Division Series.
<h2 Division Series to best-of-seven
The MLB proposes expanding the Division Series round from the current best-of-five to best-of-seven starting from 2029. The postseason calendar would incorporate additional rest days and allow for the scheduling of games to reduce weekday daytime matches.
The proposal also sets rest days before possible games 5, 6, and 7 of the Championship Series, which would favor the availability of top starters for decisive games. This could generate new rivalries and stories around the chosen teams, and open new windows for national broadcasts.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
