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Two other proposals remain up for debate: the
use of the designated hitter in both leagues as well as expanded
playoffs.
The season remains on track to start April 1 and include a full
162-game slate, according to MLB.com. Spring training starts
Feb. 17.
The agreed-upon items come as part of the health and safety
protocols for the 2021 season. Both the owners and players
agreed that seven-inning doubleheaders could prove valuable with
postponements once again a possibility. They also concurred that
extra-innings baserunners could expedite the ending of games and
create excitement for players and fans alike.
The players and owners have not agreed on a universal designated
hitter, although in 2020 that did not become a reality until
hours before the start of the season.
Likewise, expanded playoffs could occur again, but the sides
have not come to an agreement. The default option would include
three division winners and two wild-card entries for both the
American League and National League, but MLB has lobbied for the
playoffs to expand to 14 or 16 teams, with the latter
representing the number of teams that were part of the 2020
postseason tournament.
The union recently rejected a plan that featured a 154-game
season. Players would have received their full, 162-game
salaries as part of the proposal, which would have included
expanded playoffs and the designated hitter in both leagues.
--Field Level Media
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