MLB proposes 154-game season, playoff expansion

On Oct. 8, 2026, MLB proposed cutting the regular season from 162 to 154 games starting in 2029 and expanding the Division Series to best-of-seven. Higher seeds could choose Wild Card and Division Series opponents starting in 2027. Most teams would get a weekly Monday off from 2029 except for national-TV games. The offer went to the MLBPA in bargaining before the Dec. 1 contract expiration. MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said a 154-game schedule would allow a weekly off day for player health and a new national broadcast window, unlock a better October with fewer weekday afternoon games and a longer Division Series, and let top seeds pick opponents to create storylines and intensify rivalries. MLB said salaries would not be reduced; bonus thresholds would be adjusted. The 154-game format was standard before the AL moved to 162 in 1961 and the NL in 1962. The MLBPA said it is reviewing the proposals and will respond at the bargaining table. Its statement said the league made clear that all of its proposals are contingent on players' agreement to a salary cap, "a system that guts player rights and compensation, as well as its other anti-player proposals."