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MLB presented the proposal to the players union
on Friday. The proposal calls for 14 playoff teams instead of 10
and use of the designated hitter in the National League for the
second straight season.
Seven-inning doubleheaders and beginning extra innings with
runners on second base also would be utilized for a second
straight season.
The proposal calls for players to receive 100 percent of their
pay if the 154-game season is completed and not interrupted by
the coronavirus pandemic. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred would
have authority to suspend the season due to health reasons,
according to reports.
But USA Today reported that the union is expected to decline the
proposal on Monday after having discussions between player
representatives and the executive council.
The proposal calls for players to report to spring training on
March 22, about a month later than normal.
The delay would allow MLB more time to access the health
landscape as well as provide more times for vaccinations.
The regular season would end Oct. 10, one week later originally
planned, and be followed by a postseason that would stretch into
November.
The 14-team postseason would call for the first-place team in
both the American and National leagues to have a first-round
bye.
The union has asserted that the fact there was a 60-game season
played to completion in 2020 during a pandemic displayed an
entire 162-game season can be played in 2021.
--Field Level Media
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