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MLB’s proposed 154-game season would carve out new Monday TV window

Major League Baseball has proposed a significant overhaul to its regular season schedule, aiming to reduce the number of games from 162 to 154 starting in 2029. The change, which would mark the shortest season since the early 1960s, includes a shift to a best-of-seven format for the Division Series, adding up to eight additional postseason games annually.

The league also suggested introducing a standard weekly off-day for players, with Mondays designated as the primary rest day—except for one or two games that could be featured in a new exclusive national broadcast window. This proposal would create a more structured schedule, potentially benefiting player health while also offering a fresh TV opportunity for networks.

The MLB Players Association has responded cautiously, framing the scheduling changes as part of a broader negotiation package that includes contentious issues like a salary cap. The union has made it clear that any scheduling adjustments are tied to MLB’s broader labor demands, signaling potential friction ahead.

The proposed Monday window could also serve as a new high-profile broadcast slot, similar to NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball but with greater flexibility. However, the players’ resistance to a salary cap may complicate the league’s plans, leaving the future of these changes uncertain until further discussions take place.

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