Once upon a time (just a few weeks ago, in reality), MLB was completely against the idea of rescheduling any lost games in the schedule that came as a result of the lack of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Perhaps they did it as a way to pressure players to take a deal, or maybe they are starting to get some pressure from TV and streaming companies, but their tone has changed: they want a 162-game season, at least according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
Heyman has been one of the most optimistic reporters out there in CBA talks, perhaps a little too optimistic for the taste of some people, but he does have a point: with the season ending a few days after previously scheduled, and some doubleheaders, there is a path for a 162-game season.
162 Games Are Still Possible
“If MLB and the players union get it done today, and there’s no reason they won’t at this point, there still will be a 162 game season. Plan has been to make up games on off days and at the end of the schedule (but it may take a doubleheader or 2),” Heyman tweeted on Thursday afternoon, before the league’s latest proposal to players.
If MLB and the players union get it done today, and there’s no reason they won’t at this point, there still will be a 162 game season. Plan has been to make up games on off days and at the end of the schedule (but it may take a doubleheader or 2)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 10, 2022
It seems almost miraculous at this point, thinking about how it is, indeed, plausible to have a full campaign after everything that has happened.
But it is possible: all the sides need to do is solve their differences and agree to a deal that allows players to start spring training early next week.
There are still some small gaps to solve, but the sides are much closer now.
Stay tuned.
NEXT: Rob Manfred Uses Tricky Language To Threaten Players And Fans