The ushering in of a new year is a time for people to get a fresh start on their goals or to leave the past in the past. For MLB, it’s a time to accomplish both as the league may get a chance to make up for its failure in 2020. While the Coronavirus threat is still very much real, Rob Manfred has told teams that they should be prepared for a full 162- game season in 2021.
Rob Manfred: MLB teams should plan for spring training to start on time, full 162-game season to be played https://t.co/MCH7NB88CT via @USATODAY
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2021
Related: Early Prediction of LA’s Bullpen in 2021
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the league was actually planning on delaying the start of the season until players and fans could get the COVID-19 vaccines. However, with the possibility of that happening not until months down the line, the Players Association denied any chance of that happening.
While this is certainly some good news for Dodger fans as they will no longer be denied a full season of Dodger baseball, as they did last year, fans will still likely be prohibited from attending games in Los Angeles until further notice. The precious moments of eating a Dodger dog or cracking open some peanuts while the roar of the wave creeps near will have to wait. Instead, of jumping to our feet to cheer for a Corey Seager double with the thousands of other fans, the comforts of our homes will have to do.
Down the line!
Corey Seager gives the @Dodgers the lead with a 2-run double! pic.twitter.com/9MHTs7cgzC
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 8, 2020
As for any rule changes that were implemented in the 2020 season such as the universal DH, the extra-inning rule, or the 16-team playoff format, nothing is set in stone as the two sides are said to be discussing their application in the 2021 season.
For now, it looks likely that Spring training will start on February 17 with Opening Day to follow on April 1. Hopefully, this won’t be a cruel April Fool’s joke and we do indeed get the full experience of baseball back.
