It is that time again, time for spring training to start in the MLB. Spring training is on track to start in three weeks, but the MLB wants to delay the start.
Since the league does not have the power to delay the season by itself, it would require a deal to be reached with the Major League Baseball Players Association. Reaching an agreement with the MLBPA would allow the season to be delayed.
The MLB recently proposed a framework that would effectively delay the start of the 2021 season. In the framework, the season would be delayed by one month but extended by one week, the number of games played would be reduced from 162 to 154, and the postseason would be expanded. The framework will push spring training from February 27 to March 22, and the opening day would start on April 28. The postseason teams would include 14 teams.
The league is hoping to delay the season, so they could get fans in the stands. The league is expecting revenue drops because of huge drop in attendance. In order to combat this, the MLB wants to buy time so fans would be allowed at a later date. In addition, an expanded postseason format will bring more revenue.
Unfortunately, for the league, this proposal will most likely be denied by the players association. Some players within the MLBPA already believe that it is too late in the offseason for the schedule to be reworked. Additionally, the MLBPA had previously rejected a similar proposal from the MLB. In the prior proposal, the league wanted to give the players association the long-desired DH in exchange for an expanded postseason but it was denied. It seems certain this new proposal would meet the same fate as the previous offer.
