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MLB Owners Propose 154-Game Season, Expanded Playoffs

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

MLB Owners Propose Changes

MLB owners have proposed shortening the regular season to 154 games beginning in 2029.
They also propose expanding the Division Series to best-of-seven starting in 2029.
From 2027, higher-seeded clubs may choose their Wild Card and Division Series opponents.
The proposal is linked to a salary-cap demand the MLBPA says it will not accept.
The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, risking a lockout if no deal is reached.

Summary

Rays Sweep ALDS

The Rays swept the ALDS 3-0, reaching their third franchise ALCS, first since 2020.
Victor Mesa Jr., designated for assignment in February, hit his first postseason homer for the Rays.
A fan-interference call turned Anthony Volpe’s game-tying home run into an RBI double.
Aaron Judge missed the postseason with a strained calf and fractured rib.
Jackson Chourio, 22, tied Andruw Jones with 17 postseason RBIs in 16 games.

History

Historical Context

The 1994-95 MLB strike began on August 12, 1994, when the Players Association under Donald Fehr halted play for 232 days, canceling 948 games and costing owners $580 million, ending the World Series for the first time since 1904. That history informs the 2029 plan to shrink the schedule to 154 games and add a Division Series, affecting clubs like New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.

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MLB Owners Propose Changes

MLB owners have proposed shortening the regular season to 154 games beginning in 2029.
They also propose expanding the Division Series to best-of-seven starting in 2029.
From 2027, higher-seeded clubs may choose their Wild Card and Division Series opponents.
The proposal is linked to a salary-cap demand the MLBPA says it will not accept.
The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, risking a lockout if no deal is reached.

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