Major League owners and players reached a new collective bargaining agreement yesterday, meaning that the 99-day lockout is OVER.
Opening day has been rescheduled to April 7th (one week later than it was supposed to be) but teams will still play a full, 162-game season.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said, quote, “I want to start by apologizing to our fans. I know the last few months have been difficult.”
In addition to the economic aspects, the deal also includes…
- A draft lottery to discourage teams from intentionally tanking
- The National League adopting the designated hitter
- Expanded 12-team postseason
- The return of nine-inning double-headers
- They’re scrapping the runner on second in extra innings
The players also signed off on the league making future changes, such as…
- The implementation of a pitch clock
- Banning the shift
- Making the bases larger
Those changes could be made as soon as next season!
