MLB Owners Propose Changes Amid Possible Lockout

Proposed Changes to the MLB Season

Major League Baseball owners have proposed a shorter season to address a looming lockout. The plan suggests a 154-game season instead of the current 162-game schedule that began in 1961.

Additionally, they propose extending the Division Series from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven format, while introducing a unique element. The highest seed in the Wild Card and Division Series would have the option to choose their opponents.

MLB spokesman Glen Caplin commented on the benefits of a shorter schedule, emphasizing improved player health and a new broadcast opportunity. “Returning to a 154-game schedule would allow us to introduce a weekly off-day, which is good for player health, while also creating a new national broadcast window to showcase our most exciting teams and players,” he said.

“A shorter regular season unlocks making October even better for our fans — with fewer weekday afternoon games, a longer Division Series and more opportunities to see the game’s best pitchers on the biggest stage,” Caplin added. “And allowing the top seeds to select their opponents in the first two rounds would create compelling storylines, intensify existing rivalries and create new ones.”

Current Format and Criticism

The current postseason format has faced criticism, particularly regarding top seeds automatically facing lower-seeded matchups. For example, despite holding the second-best American League record, the New York Yankees were seeded fourth.

The proposal, which includes opponent selection by top seeds, might counteract this problem and intensify competition.

Scheduling Adjustments

The proposed 154-game schedule, planned for implementation in 2029, would include a new approach to scheduling. All teams would receive a day off on Mondays, similar to Minor League Baseball practice. Exceptions would apply for national broadcasts or holidays, shifting the day off to Thursday.

Teams would also have scheduled split doubleheaders against each division rival, reminiscent of the original 154-games played by MLB teams till the 1960s.

Sticking Points: Salary Cap and Potential Lockout

The proposal includes a salary cap, which players strongly oppose. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, owners expect to issue a lockout in response to unresolved negotiations.