Due to the shortened regular season in 2020, MLB made a decision to expand this year’s playoffs from 10 to 16 teams. The move proved to be popular with baseball fans while bringing the league more revenue, which is why MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hopes to keep the expanded postseason in the future as well.
In a recent interview with Associated Press, Manfred discussed the matter and voiced his support towards having more teams in the playoffs past 2020.
“I like the idea of, and I’m choosing my words carefully here, an expanded playoff format,” said Manfred.
Manfred ruled out the option of having 16 teams in the postseason like this year, as he believes this would make the regular season lose its importance. However, two or four more teams seem like a legitimate option.
“I don’t think we would do 16 like we did this year,” he added. “I think we do have to be cognizant of making sure that we preserve the importance of our regular season. But I think something beyond the 10 that we were at would be a good change.”
MLB has been pushing for 14-team playoffs the last offseason but didn’t manage to get the momentum they needed for a change. It is important to note that the league can’t decide this by themselves, as they need the MLB Players’ Association approval for any change.
