MLB: Shortened start of the season approaches

The dispute between the MLB and the players’ union MLBPA is facing arbitration. This brings a season start in the baseball league closer.

The start of the season in the North American professional baseball league MLB seems to be getting closer, and the bitter dispute between the league and the players’ union MLBPA could come to an end.

The club owners voted unanimously on Monday to continue the 2020 season under the terms of an agreement reached with the MLB Players Association in March.

The owners’ vote came after the MLBPA board of directors had previously voted against a proposed regular season with 60 games and extended playoffs. This means that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can now order the MLB to play a drastically shortened season.

However, before the shortened season can be officially approved, the MLB has asked the MLBPA to confirm by midweek that the players agree to return to training camp by July 1. They must also agree to the terms of the Season Operations Manual, which contains health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.

The league actually wants to end the regular season by September 27th, with playoffs scheduled to take place by the end of October or early November. The 2020 season was originally scheduled to start on 26 March.