MLB, players agree to expand playoffs to 16 teams

NEW YORK — MLB and the players’ union agreed Thursday to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16 for the pandemic-delayed season, a person familiar with the deal said, a decision that makes it likely teams with losing records will reach the postseason.

The agreement was reached Thursday, hours before the season opener between the Yankees and World Series champion Nationals, according to the person, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to owner approval.

Sixteen of the 30 teams will advance to a best-of-three first round. Those winners move on to the best-of-five Division Series, where the usual format resumes. The final four teams are in best-of-seven League Championship Series, and the pennant winners meet in the best-of-seven World Series.

As part of the deal, MLB agreed to guarantee a postseason pool that would be $50 million if the entire postseason is played. The pool usually is made up of ticket money from the postseason, but baseball anticipates playing the entire year in empty ballparks because of the coronavirus.

“From a selfish White Sox standpoint I’m in favor of it just for the mere fact that it enhances the possibilities this group is going to get exposed to October baseball,” general manager Rick Hahn said Thursday.