During collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks between MLB and the Players Association, there is a hot discussion about expanded playoffs.
Up until 2021 (excluding the special 2020 season), 10 teams per league made the postseason, five in each league (three division winners and two Wild Cards).
But owners are getting greedy and shooting for 14 teams in the postseason, which sounds outrageous for many reasons.
Players, reluctantly, may be open to accept 12 teams in October if they get some other things in the CBA negotiations, but they are strongly opposed to 14.
Owners make by far the most money in the postseason, much more than players.
14 Teams In The Playoffs Can Come Back To Haunt Players
More games in October mean more revenue for them, all of this while players receive only a small portion of the deal.
Matt Gelb, who covers the Philadelphia Phillies for The Athletic, explained, in detail, why the 14-team playoffs would be very, very bad for the union.
“If there’s 14-team playoffs, the rest of the details are moot. The unintended consequences are bad — now and later — for players. Front offices’ behavior will change. Salaries artificially depressed. And it just opens the door for shorter seasons (and less pay) later,” he stated.
If there’s 14-team playoffs, the rest of the details are moot. The unintended consequences are bad — now and later — for players. Front offices’ behavior will change. Salaries artificially depressed. And it just opens the door for shorter seasons (and less pay) later. https://t.co/NNgsYhhDb1
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 1, 2022
Indeed, if owners see that nearly half of the teams in the league can make the playoffs, they won’t bother investing that many resources on the roster: in many cases, they will determine that what they have, plus a few additions, can be enough to compete.
That’s bad for baseball and, especially, for players, who are shooting for higher salaries and caps.
In the end, the dynamic of baseball economics will greatly favor owners if 14 teams make the postseason every year.
It’s something MLB players need to reject.
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