As if the 2020 MLB season wasn’t crazy enough, the playoffs are reportedly going to be expanded to 16 teams. Each league would now see over half of their teams reach the postseason. This change is only in effect for the 2020 season.
It is also being reported that the top two teams for each division will get in. That leaves the last two spots for the top two records among the teams remaining. This is very similar to the way the NHL playoffs are done, as well as former FIFA World Cup knockout stages.
Sudden Death No More
The one-and-done Wild Card game will not be in effect this season. The reports are that the first round will be a best-of-three series. It has not been made official as to whether the series will all be played at the higher seed’s home or split two-and-one.
There is also speculation that the top three division winners will be able to choose their first round opponents, starting with the top seed. This could bring a “selection Sunday” feel as the matchups are created. The last two teams remaining would then be left to face off against each other.
Update (9:01 pm EDT, July 23): During ESPN’s broadcast of the Yankees-Nationals game, Commissioner Rob Manfred said that it will be straight seeding: 1-8, 2-7, etc. He added that the higher seed will host every game.
Rest of the Playoffs
The rest of the postseason will look like it has in previous years. If teams are lucky to advance past the first round, they will be set for a best-of-five divisional series. That will follow with a best-of-seven league championship and a best-of-seven World Series.
Bottom Line
Experimentation is what the 2020 MLB season has been all about. With no idea how teams will be affected due to Covid-19, the league is looking to give every team a fair chance at the postseason. This change allows more opportunity for a team to overcome a top player missing some time or turning things around after a slow start.
This is a developing story. The information contained within was accurate at press time.
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