MLB sent a proposal to the MLB Players’ Association on Friday for a 154-game schedule in 2021 and for the season to be delayed by one month, Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown and others reported.
The plan includes players receiving their full 162-game pay.
The plan gives more time for players to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. MLB owners presumably also want the season delayed because it gives more time for the general public to receive the vaccine. Obviously the hope is for at least some fans at a limited capacity to attend games by Opening Day.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported the offer also includes an expanded postseason and the universal DH.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported in December the union wanted to start on time and the owners wanted the season delayed by a month so all players could receive the vaccine before reporting.
Players followed strict safety protocols during the shortened 2020 season, which was delayed until July and consisted of 60-game schedules with an expanded postseason after the owners and players failed to reach an agreement on a start date. The season only happened because the league had the ability to unilaterally implement a schedule of its desired length.
Players accepted prorated salaries in 2020.
As of now, the Boston Red Sox will open April 1 against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. They are scheduled to start the season with six games at home (three games against the Orioles and three games against the Rays).
The Red Sox’s first Grapefruit League game is scheduled for Feb. 27 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at JetBlue Park. Their Feb. 26 exhibition game against Northeastern University already has been canceled, our own Chris Cotillo reported.
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