Report: MLB considering divisional realignment for 2020 season
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Major League Baseball is considering a plan that would eliminate the traditional National League and American League alignments for the 2020 regular season if and when it takes place, a high-ranking official told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.
Under this scenario, all 30 teams would return to their spring training facilities in Florida and Arizona. The teams would only play games in their respective states and with no fans in attendance. The divisions would be realigned based on the proximity of spring ballparks for ease of travel during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The plan would include a three-week training period followed by an abbreviated regular season.
One possible realignment structure under the proposal looks like this:
Grapefruit League
| North | South | West |
|---|---|---|
| Yankees | Red Sox | Nationals |
| Phillies | Twins | Astros |
| Blue Jays | Braves | Mets |
| Tigers | Rays | Cardinals |
| Pirates | Orioles | Marlins |
Cactus League
| Northeast | West | Northwest |
|---|---|---|
| Cubs | Dodgers | Brewers |
| Giants | White Sox | Padres |
| Diamondbacks | Reds | Mariners |
| Rockies | Indians | Rangers |
| Athletics | Angels | Royals |
The designated hitter would likely become universal for the duration of the season.
In addition to spring training ballparks, three major-league stadiums (Chase Field, Marlins Park, and Tropicana Field) will also be available if this plan is enacted.
"When you're trying to get really creative, why say no now?" Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa said of the proposal. "So, you have a unique season. I've got no problem with that."
The postseason structure is also up in the air and could play out in a variety of ways, but a World Series would take place between the respective league champions in domed stadiums in November.
This is one of several contingency plans being discussed. Earlier this week, a reported plan to host the entire season in Arizona surfaced, earning support and skepticism from various parties.
MLB is waiting until for health and government officials to say it's safe to resume play, the official told Nightengale, with hope remaining that teams will be able to return to their home cities.