MLB proposes 154-game season, playoff expansion

Major League Baseball has proposed reducing the regular season from 162 games to 154 beginning in 2029, with a weekly off-day for most teams, and expanding the Division Series from best-of-five to best-of-seven. The plan would also let higher-seeded teams choose opponents in the Wild Card and Division Series starting in 2027. MLB says the shorter schedule could improve player health and make the postseason more compelling; it says salaries would not be reduced, though some playing-time bonus thresholds would be adjusted. The players’ union is reviewing the scheduling changes but objects to MLB making them contingent on agreement to a salary cap and other proposals it considers harmful to players. The proposals are part of collective bargaining negotiations ahead of the current agreement’s Dec. 1 expiration.