Expanding the playoffs could save owners a lot of money. If October action is more attainable, why spend 10 figures for a World Series contender starting in February when eight figures at the trade deadline can fuel a championship?
Baseball is at a lockout-induced crossroads as we speak, with an expanded playoff format being mulled by owners as negotiations ensue. The motives for playoff expansion are not always liked by the players’ union, as it could mark an end to big-check, Nolan Arenado-style contracts in baseball — especially in places like Colorado, where Dodger-style payrolls are not always common.