MLB makes huge changes to 2022 playoff format amid lockdown, 7 teams from each league battle it out

The Major League Baseball lockout doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon, as owners and players have yet to reach the new collective bargaining agreement. However, recently there has been little progress towards the next MLB season. If the reports are true, MLB owners are set to change and expand the playoff format for the 2022 season.

Earlier Thursday, MLB owners and the Players Association met to discuss a new deal. But the meeting didn’t last very long and was over in just 15 minutes. This has been a huge disappointment as, since last week, both sides have been struggling to find a solution that leads to the end of the lockout, so that the regular season can start as planned.

First, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in his address to the media announced the inclusion of two new rules in MLB. One is the approval of Universal DH (designated hitter) for both leagues and the removal of free agent draft compensation. Notably, these are two of the main requests from players that the owners have approved. And now, the recent report suggests that MLB is likely to change its playoff format as well.

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Will Major League Baseball change the playoff format?

After adding two rules in favor of players, owners are now likely to expand the MLB playoff format. It will also result in a significant change in the money they earn, compared to MLB’s previous format.

According to WFAN’s Craig Carton, starting this season, seven teams will be able to make the playoffs in each league. The team with the best record in each league will earn a bye and go to the Division Series, while the best remaining winner will choose their opponent from the four wildcard teams.

“MLB playoff format is set, fans will love it – 7 playoff teams per league – Team with best record goodbye and goes to Div Series. Top remaining division winner chooses their opponent among the 4 wildcard teams and plays the best of three all home games – Then the winner of the 3rd division does the same”, said Cardboard.

However, these are unofficial announcements regarding such changes. Only time will tell if MLB will expand the playoff format in reality or not.