MLB Proposes Shorter Season & Playoff Changes

Major League Baseball proposed significant changes to its regular season and postseason, including a 154-game regular season beginning in 2029. The league announced the proposal Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

The league aims to improve player health with a standard weekly day off under the proposed shorter season. This would mark a departure from the current 162-game schedule. Historically, both leagues played 154-game schedules in the mid-20th century.

MLB also proposed allowing higher-seeded teams to choose playoff opponents in the Wild Card and Division Series starting next year. The 3-seed would select between the 5-seed or 6-seed. The 1-seed would then pick their opponent from the Wild Card Series winners.

The league also proposed a best-of-seven format for the Division Series, which could increase postseason games. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) will review the proposals and respond at the bargaining table. The MLBPA stated the league continues to pursue a salary cap and a system it believes would diminish player rights and compensation.

The current contract between MLB and the players' union expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. Owners are expected to implement a player lockout if no agreement is reached.