MLB Eyes 154-Game Season, Playoff Overhaul

Major League Baseball proposed a return to a 154-game regular season starting in 2029 and significant alterations to its playoff structure. The league announced these proposals Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

The league aims to improve player health with a shorter season and a standard weekly day off, moving away from the current 162-game schedule. Historically, both leagues played 154-game schedules in the mid-20th century.

Playoff changes under consideration include a best-of-seven format for Division Series and a new opponent selection system for Wild Card and Division Series, beginning in 2027. Higher-seeded clubs would choose opponents after the regular season and Wild Card Series conclude. The 3-seed would pick between the 5 or 6 seed, and the 1-seed would select from Wild Card Series winners.

The Major League Baseball Players Association will review the proposals. The union also reiterated concerns regarding the league's pursuit of a salary cap and a system it believes would reduce player rights and compensation. The current MLB-MLBPA contract expires Dec. 1, 2026, with the possibility of a player lockout.