MLB Announcement Expected Today: Season may Begin with ASG; Neutral Site Playoffs Possible

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MLB and the MLBPA have worked toward a potential agreement over the past 10 days, acknowledging the inevitability of a shortened season that both parties hope would begin by early June and would guarantee players a prorated salary that would depend on the number of games played, sources said. Multiple players told ESPN they are willing to play a significant number of doubleheaders -- as many as two per week -- to make up for lost games and try to get as close to a full 162-game schedule as possible.

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While the sides have discussed myriad options for a potential season, both agree that, if necessary, regular-season games could stretch into October and playoff games could be played at neutral sites in November, either in warm-weather cities or, if government officials allow indoor events, domed stadiums, sources said.

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A later start to the season than June: Multiple officials pointed toward July -- and specifically around the All-Star Game in Los Angeles -- as a potentially powerful way to kick off the 2020 season. On the other hand, if games start in late June or early July, it could complicate All-Star week.

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Games in front of no fans: While both sides would prefer games with crowds -- an estimated 30% of revenue comes from gate receipts -- they recognize that health officials might quash such an idea depending on the severity of outbreaks. Further, widespread adoption of social distancing could cut into the number of fans that attend games when they do resume.

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Games at neutral sites: Even during the regular season, teams in metropolitan areas with the highest prevalence of COVID-19 could play games at spring training facilities if outbreaks aren't quelled.

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