Major League Baseball 2020 Season to Begin on July 24th

ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan reported yesterday that the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and team owners have reached a deal to start the 2020 season. They also reached a deal on health and safety protocols. Spring training will begin on July 1st and Opening Day will start on July 24th. The trading deadline will be moved to August 31st.

Other changes include that teams rosters will expand to 30 players by the first month, but 26 players by the second month. In extra innings, a runner will begin on second base like the minor leagues. Teams have to create a list of 60 players on the taxi-squad and eligible for Major League service. Players who have family members who are at-risk can opt out and still receive service time and regular pay. There will be also be a COVID-19 injury list for players who have come down with the symptoms or been in contact with those that have been infected.  MLB will allow some media into the ballparks, but most interviews after the game will take place on Zoom.