Under terms of the proposal, the schedule would be delayed a month and extended by one week. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the plan had spring training beginning March 22 and the regular season starting April 28. The postseason would spill into November.
According to the USA Today story, the proposal would give MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred “expanded authority” to suspend the season.
Among the concerns for the MLBPA, according to USA Today, is that teams could have less desire to spend on free agents if it’s easier to qualify for the postseason. Also, according to the article, a shorter season could hurt the union’s position heading into negotiations for the next collective bargaining agreement.