Proposed Structural Changes to Schedule and Playoffs
Major League Baseball proposed shortening the regular season to 154 games from the current 162-game schedule starting in 2029. The proposal also includes expanding the Division Series to a best-of-seven format during collective bargaining discussions.
Under the plan, the new format would play 154 games over 180 days in most years, compared to the current structure of 162 games over 187 days. MLB spokesman Glen Caplin stated that returning to a 154-game schedule allows for a weekly off day for player health and creates a new national broadcast window.
Most regular-season Mondays would become days off for the vast majority of teams starting in 2029, with exceptions only for those involved in up to two nationally broadcast games. Each team would be scheduled for four day-night doubleheaders, one against each division rival.
The proposal also outlines significant changes to the postseason structure. Owners proposed adding nine additional days off to the postseason format, extending it to a maximum of 42 days. Each best-of-seven series would be played over 11 days instead of nine, adding off days before Games 5 and 7.
MLB would stop scheduling early-round postseason games in afternoons. Caplin said a shorter regular season unlocks making October better for fans with fewer weekday afternoon games and more opportunities to see top pitchers.
Seeding Adjustments and Historical Precedent
The proposal includes adjustments to seeding and opponent selection. MLB would allow higher-seeded teams in the first two rounds of the postseason to pick their opponents beginning next year. No. 3 seeds could select whether to host No. 5 or No. 6 in the Wild Card Series, and No. 1 seeds could pick which wild-card winner to play in the Division Series.
MLB would keep the Wild Card Series at best-of-three at the higher-seeded team's ballpark and add an extra day off between Games 1 and 2.
The shift to a 154-game schedule has historical roots, as the National and American Leagues adopted 154-game schedules in 1904 with every team playing all opponents 22 times. However, the current proposal is part of a broader set of labor demands that have drawn sharp reactions from the players' union.
Labor Negotiations and Salary Cap Controversy
Baseball’s five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1, and management is expected to lock out players in a confrontation that could delay or wipe out the 2027 season. Alongside the scheduling changes, MLB proposed a salary cap, which the union has vowed to never accept, along with limits on contract values and length.
The union stated that all league proposals are contingent on players agreeing to a salary cap, which they claim guts player rights and compensation. The players’ association said it will review the plan and respond at the bargaining table.
Regarding financial adjustments for the shortened season, MLB said player salaries would not be adjusted to reflect fewer games, but bonus provision thresholds would be adjusted.