{
  "id": 12999855,
  "title": "MLB Proposes Shortening Regular Season to 154 Games in 2029, Expanding Division Series to Best-of-7",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/mlb-proposes-shortening-regular-season-to-154-games-in-2029-expanding",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T02:02:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/baseball/20261009-352841/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Major League Baseball (MLB) has proposed a significant change to its regular season and postseason structure, with plans to shorten the regular season to 154 games starting in 2029 and expand the Division Series to best-of-seven format. The proposal, presented to players during collective bargaining, also includes expanding postseason days off to a maximum of 42 days, allowing higher-seeded teams to pick their opponents in the first two rounds, and moving most Monday games to a day off for most teams. MLB claims that these changes would benefit player health by providing regular off days and create new opportunities for fans to see top teams and players. However, the players' association has expressed reservations, stating that they will review the plan and respond at the bargaining table. The proposal comes as MLB's five-year labor contract expires, and management is expected to lock out players, potentially delaying or ending the 2027 season.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball proposed to shorten the regular season to 154 games from 162 starting in 2029 and to expand the Division Series to best-of-seven in a plan given to players during collective bargaining Thursday.",
  "key_points": [
    "MLB plans to shorten regular season to 154 games starting 2029",
    "Division Series to expand to best-of-7 format",
    "Postseason days off to increase to maximum 42 days"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The proposal to shorten the regular season and expand the postseason suggests that MLB is prioritizing player health and trying to boost fan interest ahead of critical labor negotiations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNBC",
        "title": "Major League Baseball proposes shortening its regular season as it pushes for a salary cap",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/major-league-baseball-proposes-shortening-its-regular-season-as-it",
        "published": "2026-10-08T20:16:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}