MLB proposes regular season reduction to 154 games to players union...division series expansion to 7-game format also
MLB announced on the 8th (local time) to the players union a proposal for regular season reduction to 154 games, 7-game division series, and higher-seeded opponent selection rights. It is not yet confirmed.
Translated from Korean with AI assistance. Read the original. Sources and original publication dates are retained.
Three-line summary
- MLB announced a proposal to the union to reduce the regular season from 162 games to 154 games per team starting in 2029.
- It also proposed expanding the division series to a best-of-7 (first-to-4 wins) format and allowing higher-seeded teams to choose their opponents starting in 2027.
- The players union opposed the premise of a salary cap and stated it would respond at the negotiating table.
On October 8th U.S. local time, MLB submitted a package of proposals to the players union. The content reduces the regular season while expanding the playoffs. This proposal is APalso reported. However, what was disclosed this time is a negotiation proposal, not a final decision for implementation. The schedule will only change once the players sign off.
MLB 154-game reduction plan, reducing 8 games starting 2029
*Regular season reduction plan / Photo=Wikimedia Commons(UnknownUnknown (blank map) Dino8792 at Dutch Wikipedia (this version)), CC BY-SA 3.0*
SNYand MK Sports reports show the office proposed reducing the regular season per team from 162 games starting in 2029 to 154 gamesas a proposal. This reduces 8 games. Dividing 8 by 162 means approximately 4.9% of the season disappears. According to MK Sports, the office expects expanded rest days to help with player health management.
The 162-game system has continued for over 60 years. SNY reported that the American League switched to 162 games in 1961 and the National League in 1962. However, a WHIO article published the same day noted they played 154 games until that year, so the transition point differs across media sources.
| Item | Current | Proposal | Implementation Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 162 games | 154 games | 2029 |
| Division Series | Best-of-5 (first-to-3 wins) | Best-of-7 (first-to-4 wins) | 2029 |
| Wild Card Opponent Selection | None | 3rd seed selects from 5th and 6th seeds | 2027 |
| Division Series Opponent Selection | None | 1st seed selects from wild card winners | 2027 |
| Weekly Rest | — | Monday as standard rest day (exceptions for national broadcasts) | 2029 |
The schedule itself will also change. According to MK Sports, the office proposed making Monday a standard rest day, while exceptions would be made for nationally televised games. AP reports presented the exception scope as teams appearing in up to two nationally televised games.
The person who explained rest days first was MLB spokesman Glenn Capelin. According to AP reports, Capelin explained on the 8th that weekly rest days "help player health." The office also expects to reduce roster moves.
Division Series 7-game best-of-7 and opponent selection rights 2027
The playoffs will be revised in two ways. The division series will change from best-of-5 starting in 2029 to best-of-7 (first-to-4 wins)as a proposal. The maximum number of games increases from 5 to 7 (an increase of 2 games), and the wins needed to advance to the next round increase from 3 to 4. MLB official websitearticle also reported the same structure.
A change coming earlier is opponent selection rights. According to the proposal, 2027onwards, the 3rd seed will directly select which team to face from the 5th and 6th seeds in the wild card series. In the division series, the 1st seed will choose its opponent from the wild card winners. In essence, teams that perform well in the regular season will control the matchups.
MLB salary cap linkage condition, players union opposition
On financial matters, the office made the first move. According to MK Sports and AP reports, MLB explained it would not cut salaries even if the number of games decreases, and would adjust bonus and option criteria.
However, the union's point of opposition was different. WHIOand others reported that the union opposed this schedule change being salary capcontingent on accepting. According to AP reports, the office presented in a separate economic proposal on May 28 a 2027 team salary cap of $245.3 million and a floor of $171.2 million. The difference between the two is $74.1 million, and this figure is also not yet agreed upon.
What came out on the 8th is a proposal combining 154 games, 7-game format, opponent selection rights, and Monday rest. Negotiations for the next labor agreement have not yet been concluded. The union passed the ball with a brief statement on the 8th. "We will respond at the negotiating table."
Related official websites
- MLB official website — Check office announcements and league schedule
- MLB Players Union official website — Players union official positions and news
- MLB Players Union collective bargaining agreement materials — Check current collective bargaining agreement text
Featured image · reference photo · not a field photo from current game in the article · Photo=Wikimedia Commons(slgckgc), CC BY 2.0
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