MLB Season Start Date: When Will Baseball Resume in 2020?

One of the many dominoes to fall during the coronavirus pandemic is the suspension of major sports leagues across the world. Major League Baseball (MLB) was in the middle of spring training as the pandemic rulings struck, suspending the season until further notice. The question everyone is asking is simple: When will baseball season start? We have the latest, so here are the latest updates on when America’s pastime will resume play in 2020. Baseball is back!

Baseball is Back! MLB Starts in Late July

It has finally happened. Baseball is back! Opening Day is set for late July, and camp is set to open in early July. This has been a monumental soap opera, but the series has finally ended with good news. Baseball is coming back, and there will be a 60-game season. Here are more details:

MLB Opening Day – July 23

We made it! After a tough four months without baseball, MLB (and major sports) return on July 23rd. Baseball is officially back, and we could not be more excited. For MLB betting, props, odds and more check out our MLB odds page.

MLB Betting Percentages are Back – Public on the Reds

In the latest information provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, we can see MLB betting splits. That means one thing…baseball is back! With opening day just a few days away, we have finally hit the final stretch. Baseball is returning, and the public loves betting on the Reds at +300, and with sports betting in Chicago, the Cubs are being bet on with 34% of the tickets.

MLB Prop Bets Released for the 2020 Season

Baseball betting is back! Well, prop betting, at least. At FOXBet Sportsbook, MLB props for the upcoming season are ready to go. As you can see, you can wager on who will lead the MLB in home runs for the shortened season. Pete Alonso, Joey Gallo, and Mike Trout lead at +1000, but other players have some interesting lines as well such as Christian Yelich at +2500.

MLB Opening Night Lines and Odds Posted

What a sight for sore eyes. Baseball odds are back. With baseball just a few weeks away, lines are starting to form which means one thing…baseball betting! We’ve gone all spring and summer without the ability to wager on live baseball in the states, but that seems to be coming to an end. Get ready for MLB wagering, it’s coming soon.

Which MLB Players are Opting Out? Updated Corona Tracker

With the new policies of coronavirus, players are opting out for various reasons and will not participate in the 2020 MLB season. We keep you updated, so be sure to stay tuned as more players will be added as news breaks. Check out our opt-out tracker, here.

MLB Players Frustrated With Testing Problems

MLB players have spoken up about testing, and how it’s taken awhile to get results which has led to camps closing. This needs to be ratified, as mentioned in the tweet above. After a long process, any snags are not good for either party.

MLB Schedule Release on July 6th

The words “MLB schedule release” has never felt better to read or write. With the schedule being released on Monday, July 6th…it is a great step in the right direction towards baseball officially returning to play. Who will the Houston Astros play on Opening Day? Will the Yankees play the Red Sox right away? We will see tonight!

MLB Workouts Begin as Coronavirus Positives Announced

The day before Independence Day is an important one for Major League Baseball, for a few reasons. First, the positives (well, the good positives). MLB workouts will begin on July 3rd, which is great news as we move towards a MLB season. The bad news will be it is the first day of MLB coronavirus positive tests being announced. Let’s hope for the best, but there is no doubt at least some players will test positive. It is inevitable.

MLB Returns with a Trade – Padres and Athletics Agree on Mateo Deal

Is there anything better than seeing baseball trades to confirm that the MLB will be back in July? The Padres and Athletics made a very small deal in the grand scheme of things, but the fact that an actual trade happened means one thing…baseball is back! The Padres are adding some serious speed to their roster with Jorge Mateo from the A’s, and will send back a player-to-be-named later.

MLB Players to Opt-Out: Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond and more.

This is an unfortunate reality of the situation, but players will be opting out based on external or internal factors to stay healthy for their families. For example, Ryan Zimmerman shared in a tweet from CAA Baseball:

Blue Jays Will Play MLB Games in Toronto in 2020

With Canada’s regulations on travel to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, this was something that was up in the air. With this news, this allows for baseball to be played in Canada in 2020 as the Toronto Blue Jays will host their games at home, as planned. The Rogers Centre will be the home of all Blue Jays home games, as opposed to the Blue Jays playing elsewhere (such as their spring training site).

With MLB Back, Futures Betting Ramps Up

With news that MLB is back with their 60-game season as detailed above, it is very important to note that MLB futures betting is ready to go. With NL MVP odds ready to go, be sure to take a glance and bet your MLB futures at DraftKings Sportsbook.

There is Life: MLB to “Implement” and Plan a 2020 Season

This seems to be the final stretch. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has “implemented” a 60-game season, based on an earlier agreement in March that allows the MLB to do so in case another agreement did not come to fruition. There is a lot to unpack, but the main part of the implemented season is that the players still have their right to file a grievance, and that a season would start in late July on a 60-game schedule. Jeff Passan said it best here though…

No Universal DH when MLB Returns?

On Father’s Day, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred contacted Tony Clark with a potential proposal that may help in negotiations. Is this too little, too late? Stay tuned for a Monday update, as there is a high chance we see more baseball news on June 22nd.

MLB Camps Testing Positive for COVID-19

This is another hurdle in getting MLB to return, as players, coaches, and staff will undoubtedly test positive. Maintaining distance and taking preventative measures is tough for professional sports, especially when there is contact with trainers and more. Hopefully this can be maintained and the positive tests can decline, so baseball can return.

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MLB Players are Ready to Play Baseball

Enough is enough. It seems some players have had it, and have expressed via social media their discontent with the ongoing talks. Players are certainly blaming the commissioner and the owners, but some marquee names have become very outspoken. From Max Scherzer to Anthony Rizzo to Alex Bregman, it is clear the players are ready to play.

MLB Issues Response to MLB Players Association

Players vs. Owners. Owners vs. Players. When will it end? Baseball has truly blown a terrific opportunity to have all of the sports world focused on its product. If baseball is to be resumed this season, there is still likely to be an issue before the next CBA comes up. As of mid-June, it is most likely that a 48-game season will come about.

MLB To Counter with 70-Game Season?

And here we go. Assuming Karl Ravech’s sources are right and it is a 70-game season with a 80-85% prorated salary, will the players accept? This is not as much of a move that was anticipated earlier in June, so the trend would lead us to believe the players will not cave and we will have yet another round. Stay tuned for more updates.

MLB Commissioner Says “We will play MLB this year.”

Coming late on June 10th was some very good news. The MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was quoted in saying directly: “I’ll tell you unequivocally: We will play Major League Baseball this year”. This is the best news of this saga so far, but we still do not know just how many games will be played, when that will be ratified, and more. The good news is, it looks like there will be baseball in some way, shape, or form in 2020.

MLBPA Proposes 89-Game Season, MLB Would Start on July 10

The latest in what has become a massive bargaining war has its most recent chapter. The MLBPA has proposed an 89-game season, that includes a full pro-rated salary, expanded playoffs, and more. If this were to somehow be agreed to, the season would start on July 10th per Jesse Rogers.

Good news is certainly a positive step forward, so let’s hope this is a trend rather than a detriment.

2020 MLB Season Hopeful Again

Despite the MLBPA rejecting the 76-game proposal offered by the owners on June 8th, there is still heavy optimism that baseball will be played. The length of the season is the question mark, given that has to be agreed upon. What seems most likely as of June 9th, 2020 is that there will be a 50-game MLB season, given the MLB feels strongly about the ability to have that as a “backup” plan if there are no agreed upon changes. Will there be baseball in 2020? It seems likely.

MLB Proposes New Deal, Too Little Too Late?

First thing Monday morning usually brings action items, and that is exactly what Major League Baseball pushed to the Players Association to resume play. MLB offered the following:

• 75% Prorated Salaries
• 76-Game Season
• 9/27 final regular season game
• Postseason ends in October

On the surface, this seems like a much better deal which would lead to progress. Jeff Passan broke it down in another way in a very important thread.

MLBPA’s Tony Clark Responds – Players Want to Play

With the NBA returning, the NHL resuming playoff style, and other sports on track as well…this is a bad look for baseball. Tony Clark detailed that in the latest MLBPA leadership meeting, calling the MLB’s response somewhat of a “threat”. If there is baseball in 2020, it does not look like there will be a tremendous response on either side. Not good.

MLB Rejects MLBPA’s 114-Game Season Proposal

This is like an ever-lasting soap opera. The latest is that the MLB has rejected the players’ offer for a 114-game season. That is not even the worst of it, as Ken Rosenthal has reported that the MLB will not even send a counter. What does this mean? As you can see below, there are reports that a 50-game season would be most likely in the event that no agreement has been met. While baseball seems likely to happen, it is not good for the sport for all this back and forth.

MLB to Have 50-Game Season if No Agreement Met? League Believes So

A crazy twist in the players vs. owners saga of MLB negotiating could result in a 50-game season, as Jeff Passan reported. Here is an update:

• Players asked for 114 games
• MLB asked for 50 games
• The middle is 82 games, which is nearly half of a full MLB season.

The MLB has said they would pay prorated salaries for the 50-game season, and that was something the MLB believes they are in the right to do given the previous agreement in the beginning of the crisis. This has become an incredibly interesting story to follow.

MLBPA Offers Proposal to Begin Baseball on June 30th

The MLBPA sent a proposal to the MLB on the final day of May that includes a ton of details. Here is what was included:

• 114 Game Season
• Season Ends on 10/31
• Players Have Right to Opt Out of Season
• Potential Deferral of Salaries if Postseason Cancelled

In addition, there were some other details that are quite important, from Jeff Passan:

Given that June has already begun, a lot has to happen in a limited amount fo time for this to happen. June 30th is just four weeks away.

MLB Players Will Not Agree to Salary Concessions

As Max Scherzer tweeted on Wednesday May 27th, it seems MLB players will not agree to further salary cuts, as they have been advised that the prorated salaries are the way to go. That has been agreed to, but the owners seem to want drastic cuts as seen below. As Jeff Passan mentions above, the MLBPA will have another proposal over to the MLB and its owners by the end of May. Hopefully, good news comes of that.

MLB Return in Doubt with Latest MLB Proposal

This is not good. The MLB has asked its top players to take heavy pay cuts of nearly 75%. As you can see in the Jesse Rogers tweet, a player making $35M in 2020 would have to take a cut to about $7.8M. Given that players will still be playing half the season (plus playoffs) in the latest proposal, it is to no one’s surprise that the players are not happy with this proposal. Not good news for MLB’s return to play, that’s for sure. The ball is in the player’s and owners hands for MLB to return, but that will not happen if neither side can agree for a return to play.

Sports Can Return in New Jersey, Says Governor Murphy

Another state is set to allow sports! New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy tweeted on Tuesday morning, May 26 that if “leagues choose to move in that direction”, the state will be available to have training and competition in the state. This would mean quite a few teams would be allowed to participate. What is interesting is teams in the nearby area may be able to use New Jersey as a place to play if their state does not allow. With that being said, New Jersey is just the latest state along a growing list that will allow professional sports leagues to resume without fans for the time being.

MLB Owners to Meet with Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday May 26

Is this one of the final hurdles? MLB owners have a 1 PM meeting with the commissioner of baseball, as they look to give the MLBPA an economic plan to resume baseball in 2020. This seems to be one of the final hurdles to the negotiations between the players and owners, but it is certainly a large one. With Memorial Day on May 25th, this meeting will certainly spur some news in the last week of May. Keep an eye on the news after the meeting concludes.

MLB Season to Start Soon? Momentum Grows After MLBPA Response

With more and more states open to allowing professional sports teams to participate in games without fans, all of the attention is on the players and the league. Can the MLB and MLBPA come to an agreement so baseball can return to play soon? As Jeff Passan reported on twitter, this is a big step. Given that the players’ response has happened, the next step of negotiating can occur. Nothing is imminent, but it is clear that both sides would like to resume play as soon as possible for the 2020 MLB season.

MLB to Return in Three Phases When Ready

Per Bobby Marks on Twitter, the MLB will be working a three-phase scenario that is consistent with other re-openings across the US. The first phase is individual and small groups, likely limited to players and some staff. Then will be large group workouts, which is the players and coaches and trainers. Finally, spring training will resume in the third phase. When the MLB is ready to return, these three steps and monitoring players will be the most essential part of the return to play. With states such as California, New York, and Texas set to allow pro sports in June, baseball returning is trending up!

States Allow Pro Sports to Return in June – Sports Return Soon?

Following New York, Texas and California will be many other states. These states are seen as “leaders” in many facets of industry, and when they decide to act one way, other states follow. This is great news for the return of sports. Arizona has already said they will allow sports, as will Florida. The good news continue to trickle in, as we could see sports return very soon in the US.

New York Sports to Come Back Soon?

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said that he has been encouraging the professional teams in the state of New York to “plan reopenings” without fans. While this seems obvious at this point, it is a clear intention that they expect for sports to resume sooner rather than later in the state of New York. When the ban is lifted for sports to resume, there seems to be a plan in the state of New York. This means the New York Mets and New York Yankees would be able to play at home in 2020 for the MLB season.

Upon Return, MLB Players Will Be Tested for COVID-19 Often

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said on a release with the press that MLB players will be tested multiple times per week upon the MLB returning, which will also include temperature monitoring and other medical checks to ensure players do not experience symptoms. What is key from the Jesse Rogers tweet above is that a positive test will not mean a quarantine for the entire team, initially. This is a big part of the MLB returning, as it is of optimal importance to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, and staff while also preventing the spread of the virus.

Passan Reports Both Sides Want to Play in 2020

This tweet sums it up from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “Both parties have far too much to lose” is the truest statement throughout negotiations. With the understanding that a deal will get done at some point, that means we should have baseball in 2020. The problem is, will the states allow for baseball to be played at everyone’s home stadium? Will there be fans? Or will a neutral site like Arizona be the landing spot for the MLB in the short term? Time will tell.

Major League Baseball in Arizona? State Governor to Allow Major Sports

Arizona is open for “major league sports” to return to play on May 16th, if desired. Arizona’s governor Doug Ducey announced changes to the states plan to re-open amidst coronavirus concerns with a bombshell of news that sports can be played without fans in Arizona on May 16th. Does this open the floodgates for the MLB to return in Arizona? Of course, the MLB and MLBPA would have to come to an agreement but we do know there are plenty of baseball stadiums in Arizona due to spring training facilities that would allow for a centralized location should the MLB resume. This is a major development for all sports to resume, but especially for Major League Baseball.

MLB Proposal to be Shot Down by Players?

Baseball has long been a sport without a salary cap. This is much different than counterparts like the NFL, NBA, and NHL, and it is why baseball salaries and contracts have risen to enormous heights in the last 15 years. Now during the pandemic, this will be quite a debate between the players and the owners, as the players see the MLB proposal as a salary cap. As Ken Rosenthal’s tweet says above, MLBPA union head Tony Clark says “A system that restricts player play based on revenues is a salary cap, period.” Is this a sign of bad things to come? Remember, the estimates are that the MLB would like to resume in June but collective bargaining has to be reached before then.

MLB Proposal Approved By Owners, In MLBPA Hands

In the latest from the MLBPA and MLB’s “negotiating” for a MLB season resume, reports from Jeff Passan and ESPN have shown that the MLBPA board has health and compensation on the minds of players when baseball does in fact resume. St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller was quoted in the story talking about some worries the players have that include:

• If it is not safe for fans, why is it safe for players? There’s risk involved in this.
• If players are traveling, there is risk involved there as well.

In addition, a very interesting point that Miller makes is that because the MLB and MLBPA agreement involves no cap…the players are not tied to revenue like other leagues are. This is quite different, as there is a capitalistic manner of contracts and such despite league revenues decreasing during the pandemic.

With the MLB officially presenting a proposal to the players union, we should expect to see something soon.

MLB Teams Tell Players to Get Ready – Baseball Coming Soon?

The old saying is April showers bring May flowers. That certainly seems like a terrific metaphor for baseball’s prospects in early May, as positive momentum continues to roll in. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports, Major League Baseball is expected to offer a proposal to the MLBPA, after the MLBPA union publicly stated they will need a plan. This does not mean it is official, but with MLB teams letting players know to get ready and get into shape, it is quite clear what the next step would be assuming all goes well. Could we see baseball in the summer of 2020? It is certainly looking promising.

MLBPA Union Needs a Formal Plan Before Baseball Resumes

Not so fast, says the MLBPA. The NY Daily News reports that the MLBPA has reserves about a possible return to the field amidst coronavirus concerns. Essentially, there is a long way to go in terms of any negotiations or agreements to return to the field as each state varies by rules and even Canada (where the Blue Jays play) has to be taken into account as well. The initial plan proposed Opening Day in July, but will that be the case? No one knows yet, but the MLBPA has publicly stated they need to see a plan before anyone returns to the field.

Former MLB Player Trevor Plouffe Reports July 1st Opening Day?

The latest report from former MLB player Trevor Plouffe says that MLB spring training could “start” on June 10th, with Opening Day coming on July 1st and teams “playing at their home ballparks”. Other baseball media members have reported hearing the same thing, while others have reported there is nothing concrete. While it may not be confirmed, it provides a bit of potential good news that we could see baseball back soon!

Minor League Season Has NOT Been Cancelled Despite Unconfirmed Reports

On the evening of April 29th, there were a lot of unconfirmed reports about baseball cancelling the minor league season. Those reports are unconfirmed, and not true per Jeff Passan. Some unverified reports have gone across social media, but until it is confirmed by a big-name reporter there is no need to speculate. While it seems believable, the MiLB season has not been cancelled as of April 30th.

MLB Return Plan, Three Divisions, 100 Regular Season Games?

The latest from MLB writer Bob Nightengale shows that baseball could be adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, which would allow for a 2020 season to start and end with 100 games plus the playoffs. The report from Nightengale says that the MLB is very optimistic that baseball will resume in late June or early July and we will see at least 100 games plus the playoffs. How would this all work? The proposal has three divisions with 10 teams each, focusing on regions. Of course, this would drastically improve the ability to follow state regulations as it pertains to the coronavirus, and helps the logistical nightmare that is scheduling a professional baseball league. Wondering how the divisions could look? Here’s a peak:

Jeff Passan Reports MLB Agrees There WILL be Baseball in 2020

The latest from ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that it is just a waiting game now, as there will be baseball in 2020. Directly from the ESPN article, Passan mentions that all involved with MLB decision-making have grown “increasingly optimistic” on baseball returning. This is certainly good news on the baseball front, but of course nothing is set in stone. Some states have reported wanting to wait very long, some have reported coming back soon in terms of full operations. Will baseball be played in specific areas in 2020? Time will tell, but good news in late April has certainly found its way through the baseball world.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Expects Baseball to Return in 2020 

As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, baseball should return at some point in 2020! The direct quote from the MLB commissioner was “I fully anticipate baseball will return this season”. That is good news, as it comes after some teams reportedly will continue to pay their employees through the end of May. What’s interesting is some large market teams have not done so yet, but are expected to with the public pressure of smaller markets already taking care of their employees. When exactly will baseball return? No one truly knows, but when the leaders of baseball say they expect it to in 2020, that is great news.

New MLB Rules Proposed To Resume 2020 Baseball Season

In the latest from ESPN.com, the MLB and MLBPA have looked into an option that may allow for baseball to return as early as May in the state of Arizona. Some of the proposals seem crazy, but anything to have baseball back would be important to all parties involved. Some of these potential terms include:

• No mound visits.
• On-field microphones for TV viewers.
• Sitting in the stands six-feet apart, instead of in the player’s dugout.
• Two seven-inning games in a doubleheader, which would allow closer to a 162-game season.

A big one here also included an electronic strike zone, which would easily allow for better social distancing measures. There are many questions to be answered, but maybe this is a bit of good news in an otherwise bleak time.

California Doctor Says No Sports (MLB) Until Thanksgiving?

Things change very often in these trying times, and a California official in Santa Clara County is quoted in saying we may not see “any sports games until at least Thanksgiving, and we’d be lucky to have them by Thanksgiving”. Of course, this is way later than other projections have indicated, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on. If there is nothing until November, it is hard to anticipate there being a MLB season at all. Again, nothing is confirmed though.

When Will Major League Baseball Start? July 1?

Using these stipulations, we can rule out when baseball could start. Condition one was no bans on mass gatherings. The US government advised to have those bans through the month of April, and most states have those bans until at least May 15th or longer. Per the news of Toronto banning all public events until June 30th, that effectively rules out the entire month of June for baseball season to resume. Unless this is changed, that means the earliest we can expect baseball season to resume is July 1st, 2020. The latest rumors have shown that baseball could begin on July 1st, and continue into the winter months if need be.

Major League Baseball Wanted to Start in June

As March went on, there was speculation of MLB returning in June 2020. In late March, the MLB and MLBPA agreed to a deal that would settle issues such as service time and others. This gave the indication that baseball would not resume anytime soon given the discussions on whether or not players would still become free agents and such. Players and owners had loose expectations that baseball may resume in June 2020, even it meant playing in empty stadiums. At least there would be television revenue, in this example.

With that optimism, the MLB had not canceled the London Series between the Cardinals and Cubs, which was set to take place in June.

As of April 1st, it was no April Fools joke but the MLB canceled the 2020 London Series that was set to take place in June. This certainly is not good news, as it indicates baseball may not be played in June either. Does this mean a July start is inevitable?

MLB and MLBPA Agree on 2020 Season Resume Conditions

This was a very key piece of news in the MLB season resumption saga, as it gave clear guidelines to when baseball could possibly return. There are three main stipulations that were agreed to here, which are:

1. No bans on mass gatherings
2. No travel restrictions in the US and Canada
3. Medical experts were sure that games were not risking staff, players, or fans.

The one caveat was that this still allowed for the league and players to agree on playing in empty stadiums, if it came to that. These restrictions are very straightforward, and we can read between the lines in order to find out when baseball season could return.

MLB Delays Start of Season by Two Weeks (3/12/20)

On March 12th, Major League Baseball announced that spring training games were canceled and the regular season was to be delayed by at least two weeks. Given the MLB regular season was scheduled to start on March 26th, a two week delay would have put Opening Day into the beginning of April. This was just the beginning of the outbreak however, and the key words in this release are “at least”. As more and more leagues began to suspend their seasons, baseball had to react accordingly and alongside public officials recommendations and others. Remember, baseball is involved with a lot of businesses, cities, logistics, and even travel to Canada, London, and others.