The MLB and MLBPA are working last-minute negotiations to potentially expand the playoff format from 10 to 16 clubs for the 2020 season. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

MLB trying to expand playoffs before Opening Day first pitch?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/22/20

It appears MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association couldn't help but get one more round of negotiations in before the start of the pandemic-shortened season.

On Wednesday, MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted that the league and union are again discussing potentially increasing the playoff format from 10 to 16 clubs, with both the American League and National League going to eight-team tournaments to create the World Series matchup:

Sources: MLB and union are re-engaging on the possibility of expanded playoffs for this season. Has to be done before first pitch 25 hours from now, but there seems to be optimism. Hope was to go from 10 playoff teams to 16.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2020

Pen would have to hit paper on any playoff expansion before the first pitch is delivered for Thursday's New York Yankees at Washington Nationals season opener.

Reports throughout the spring suggested the MLBPA would balk at postseason expansion for this fall following contentious discussions between the union and league about the start of a campaign played amid the coronavirus outbreak. With the two entities back on the same page -- or at least reading the same book -- ahead of a scheduled Opening Day, the league may view a brief opening for 11th-hour talks.

More must-reads: