BASEBALL IS BACK: League and Players Reach Deal for Shortened Season
Next up into the batter's box: The 2020 MLB season.
After weeks of well-documented, back and forth negotiations, CBS Sports reports the MLB Players Association will accept MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's proposal for a 60-game season.
Some of the highlights include:
- 60-game season (40 games of divisional games, 20 against teams in geographical area of opposite league)
- Spring training begins July 1
- July 23 or June 24 for Opening Day
- Universal DH for all games, regardless of league
- August 31 trade deadline
- Inactive list specifically for individuals who test positive for COVID-19
The next logical question is "When will Binghamton Rumble Ponies games begin?".
The short answer is: no clue. Rumble Ponies officials have said in the previous months that talks to resume minor league play won't even get going until a re-start agreement is reached for the majors.
Given that the MLB only just now has a plan for the big league teams, the clock seems to be almost up to salvage a legitimate minor league season.
Binghamton has already missed out on hosting the Eastern League All-Star game, since it was canceled. The game would have been played July 15 at NYSEG Stadium.
[via CBS Sports]