MLB delays Opening Day by at least 2 weeks, cancels spring training

Major League Baseball will delay Opening Day by at least two weeks and is canceling spring training games as of 4 p.m. ET Thursday due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a statement.

Additionally, 2020 World Baseball Classic qualifying games have been postponed indefinitely, and Minor League Baseball also announced it will delay the start of its season, according to a statement.

The league will continue to evaluate events and is preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular-season schedule.

MLB added that it plans to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

"Players are of course disappointed they won't be able to compete on the field," MLBPA director Tony Clark said Thursday, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. "At the same time, they recognize the importance of public health and safety."

Players will reportedly have optional team workouts on Friday followed by two free days while logistics are worked out, multiple players told MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who added that workouts could continue at teams' sites with players getting the option to go home.

"It's important to know that some things are bigger than baseball; bigger than sports," New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton said after learning of the news, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera. "Once we're able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions answered, we can figure out when things can continue."

MLB's decision follows similar ones made by MLS, the NBA, and the NHL, all of which suspended their current seasons.