MLB, MLBPA reach agreement on playoff bubbles

MLB and MLBPA agreed on the framework for playing a majority of the postseason in bubbles. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

MLB, MLBPA reach agreement on neutral sites for playoff bubbles

By Blake Harper | Last updated 9/15/20

Major League Baseball and the Players Association have agreed to a bubble plan for the playoffs that will feature both the National and American League playing in separate neutral locations, with the World Series set to be played at Globe Life Field, a neutral site in Arlington, Texas.

Currently, the MLB plans to implement a two-bubble strategy, with separate bubbles for the American League and National League. For that to work, teams would not travel back in forth like they normally would in a series.

MLB is planning to have a bubble established in Southern California for the American League and a bubble in Texas for the National League. The first round of the playoffs won't be in the bubbles, as the top-four teams in the AL and NL (three division winners and next-best-record) will host a best-of-three series at their home parks. Then, the AL games for the divisional round will be played at Petco Park in San Diego and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Major League Baseball and the Players Association reached agreement late last night on a plan for the 2020 postseason, including neutral-site bubbles for the Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series, sources tell The Athletic. Announcement expected today.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 15, 2020

The ALCS will be played at Petco Park. For the NL, divisional games will be played at Globe Life Field and Minute Maid Park in Houston. The NLCS will be played at Globe Life Field, as will the World Series. The MLB has played its regular season without a bubble, and despite a couple of small outbreaks, the season has mostly gone on successfully. However, the league hopes to switch to a bubble for the playoffs to ensure that the season is completed.

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