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UPDATE Thurs July 23, 3:59 p.m.: The players have voted to approve an expanded playoff system just for the 2020 season. If the owners vote to approve, it will be implented.
The union has approved the agreement discussed with MLB for expanded playoffs, only for the 2020 postseason; that agreement is now subject only to ratification by the owners, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/HFmaEQ8Npk
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) July 23, 2020
The first pitch of the 2020 Major League Baseball season is a shade over 24 hours away, but a significant change is still being negotiated in the 11th hour. The owners and players have returned to the negotiating table over the possibility of expanded playoffs for this season, according to reporter Jon Heyman.
Any decision has to be finalized before first pitch, and the hope is to expand from 10 teams to 16 teams. The two sides had discussed expanded playoffs previously as a way to boost revenue for a season that is taking a hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
If this does change, the most interesting aspect from DK Nation’s perspective is betting on the “to make playoffs” market at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Yankees (-670), Dodgers (-2000), and Astros (-360) are all heavy favorites, with the Twins (-215), Braves (-120), Nationals (-121), Athletics (-118), and a host of other teams all bunched together. It’s safe to say we’ll see some significant line movement if the league figures out a way to add six teams to the playoff picture.
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