Should MLB make changes to the playoff format?

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1DK6MvSlTahhyMkVqkueCfGD4TJtwWSOv
The playoff format of the MLB has evolved drastically over last the three years. In 2020, the MLB playoffs saw the introduction of the of best of three Wild Card series. All playoff teams played a first round series at the time. A year later, MLB brought back the one game Wild Card matchup. It was a matchup that saw the most negative criticism. The best of three Wild Card series was brought back last year but with a major difference. A change was made where the best two division winners receive a first round bye. The first round bye would negativily impact both National League 1 and 2 Seeds. The 111 win LA Dodgers were upset by the 89 win San Diego Padres and the 101 win Atlanta Braves were upset by the Philadelphia Phillies. Fast forward to 2023 and it appears to be a deja vu scenario. The 101 win Baltimore Orioles and 100 win LA Dodgers are currently down 0-2 in their respective Division Series. The underdog 90 win Texas Rangers and 84 win Arizona Diamondbacks have a chance to sweep their way into the American and National League Championship Series. These two 100 win teams facing upsets spent 6 days without facing live pitching. That 6 game break is longer than the MLB All Star break. The timing from the hitters of both teams have been off. The momentum from these 100 win teams feels gone. It might be best for the MLB to add more playoff teams and eliminate the first round bye from the division winners. The 2020 16 team playoff format looks like the best playoff option when compared to the current MLB playoff format. The number of regular season games might need to decease but that is not be a problem. The removal of the first round bye would create an even playing field for all playoff teams while allowing the higher seed teams to stay active with their end of the season momentum. What will the aftermath be from these playoff series? Could the higher seed Orioles or Dodgers avoid elimination? Upsets happen in sports but the probability of upsets in baseball are becoming a common than unusual result.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GiSiFNaUuP5H5SXRgGTOyfJeGHJ7yo7a

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Should the Brooklyn Nets move on from Sean Marks?

Who are the likely first time NBA 2025 All Stars?

Is tanking in December bad for the NBA?