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MLB Rumors: Players Association Likely To Reject Expanded Playoffs Without Full 2022 Season

Matthew Moreno
4 Min Read
Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports

In addition to MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) needing to find common ground on economics for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), an array of other details must be ironed out.

Chief among them are the potential — and expected — additions of a universal designated hitter and expanded postseason. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently suggested the two sides were in agreement on the National League adopting the DH, though that still needs to be finalized.

As for expanding the postseason field, MLB team owners reportedly prefer a format with 14 teams and the union has countered at 12.

A general assumption has been more playoff teams would be added with a new CBA, but according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet.ca, that won’t hold true for 2022 if a full regular season is not played:

Spring Training camps didn’t open as scheduled last week and games won’t be played at least until Saturday, March 5. That had long been expected but wasn’t made official until this past weekend.

“We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5th. All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands,” MLB said in their statement.

“The Clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the Club to any Spring Training games that are not taking place. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side.

“On Monday, members of the owners’ bargaining committee will join an in-person meeting with the Players Association and remain every day next week negotiate and work hard towards starting the season on time.”

Meanwhile, MLB reportedly informed the union they view February 28 as the deadline for a new CBA to be in place and avoid delaying Opening Day from March 31.

Turner hopeful MLB, Players Association strike deal

As time continues to tick away, Justin Turner recently expressed optimism the two sides will agree to a CBA in time to play a full season.

“Honestly, I’m not going to complain about a short Spring Training, but hoping for a full 162 (games),” he said. “I know 2020, obviously the pandemic hit, but playing a 60-game season wasn’t good for anyone.

“Wasn’t good for the players, wasn’t good for the owners, so I hope everyone realizes that the best thing for everyone — especially our fans, who are the most important people in all this — is to play a full 162-game season.”

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com