CIVIC LANE Major League Baseball unveiled proposed scheduling and playoff changes on 8 October. The regular season would be reduced from 162 to 154 games under part of the proposal. Other changes include longer Division Series and the possibility of leading teams choosing their playoff opponents. League representatives argue that these measures would improve rest opportunities and create more attractive postseason contests. Fans have debated the impact on historical records, competitive incentives and rivalries. The proposals remain subject to negotiation rather than representing rules already in force. Sources: https://www.reuters.com/sports/mlb-proposes-154-game-schedule-altered-playoff-format--flm-2026-10-08/ https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-mlbpa-proposal-154-game-schedule-new-playoff-structure https://www.reddit.com/r/sports/comments/1x0xllo/mlb_proposes_returning_to_154game_regular_season/