MLB's Radical Scheduling Ideas: In-Season Tournaments and Expansion Plans
Major League Baseball (MLB) is considering some radical changes to its schedule, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred. In a recent interview, Manfred discussed two potential ideas that the league has explored: split seasons and in-season tournaments.
The Challenge of In-Season Tournaments
Manfred acknowledges the long season of 162 games and the challenges of implementing in-season tournaments, similar to the NBA Cup. He highlights the complexity of baseball's season-long records and the potential impact on regular-season games. The NBA's in-season tournament, introduced in the 2023-24 campaign, involves group play and knockout rounds, with cash bonuses and a trophy for the winning team. However, MLB's series approach during regular seasons and playoffs makes it more challenging to schedule.
The Split-Season Concept
A split-season idea, already used in the minors up to Triple-A, is considered more feasible. This concept divides the season into two halves, each with its own winners, allowing teams to clinch playoff berths by July. While this theoretically keeps fan engagement high, it also raises the possibility of a team finishing second in its division in both halves but missing the playoffs due to poor performance in the other half, as seen in the 1981 Reds' case.
Expansion and Divisional Realignment
MLB is also actively pursuing expansion, with Manfred planning to retire in three years and aiming to increase the number of clubs from 30 to 32. This would lead to divisional realignment, likely with geographic conferences and four-team divisions. Manfred suggests keeping cities with two teams (New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago) in separate leagues, similar to the NFL's arrangement.
These ideas are still in the internal discussion phase, and any implementation would require the Players Association's approval. While expansion is a multi-year process, it provides insight into MLB's strategic thinking as it prepares for the future.
