Major League Baseball Proposes Changes Amid Potential Lockout

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With another lockout on the horizon, Major League Baseball (MLB) owners have proposed several changes for the 2027 season. A key proposal includes reducing the season from 162 games to 154. This change would revive a schedule last seen in the early 1960s.

Alongside this, owners have suggested altering the Division Series format. Since 1995, these playoffs have followed a best-of-five structure. The proposal seeks to expand to a best-of-seven series with an intriguing twist. The highest seed in both the Wild Card and Division Series would gain the power to choose their opponents.

An MLB spokesperson, Glen Caplin, explained the potential benefits of these changes. “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.

The changes aim to enhance October baseball for fans by reducing weekday afternoon games and extending the Division Series. Caplin also stressed that letting top seeds select their opponents could create exciting narratives and rivalries.

“A shorter regular season unlocks making October even better for our fans,” added Caplin.

This proposal could be a response to this year’s postseason, where the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, despite strong records, missed the Championship Series. Currently, the top seed automatically faces the winner of the 4-5 seed matchup, and the second seed plays against the 3-6 seed winner.

If implemented in 2029, the new schedule mandates Monday as a rest day for all teams, except for rare nationally televised games or holidays. In such cases, the rest day will move to Thursday. Each team will also play a scheduled doubleheader against divisional rivals during the season.

The plan includes a salary cap, which remains a contentious issue. Players have consistently opposed a cap, labeling it non-negotiable. With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1, owners are expected to initiate a lockout if no agreement is met.