No expanded playoffs in 2021 is a loss for the Seattle Mariners

MLB Network reported today that the MLBPA has rejected the MLB’s proposal for expanded playoffs and a universal DH in 2021. This is another move that will certainly cause more tension between two sides who have not been too fond of each other following last summer’s fiasco that led to just a 60 game season.

The MLBPA is rejecting a deal that would have meant a massive increase in money for the owners as there would be up to 65 playoff games compared to the normal 43, while the players would get left with a small increase in playoff bonuses and only 6 more teams making that playoff bonus.

The rejected deal also included the universal DH for 2021, just as there was in 2020 along with expanded playoffs, and the MLBPA is making it clear that they do not want to negotiate moves like the universal DH which would help the players make more money if it is packaged with a move that makes the owners richer like with expanded playoffs.

Don’t get me wrong, I am on the players’ side as I am all for player empowerment and getting as much money as possible, but this is a big loss for the Seattle Mariners in 2021

How does this affect the Seattle Mariners?

Quite obviously this hurts the Mariners’ playoff chances. Seattle is a team that most project to be right around, or right below .500, so having the playoffs expanded to 8 teams in 2021 would have drastically changed the Mariners playoff odds.

The system in 2020 would have worked in the Mariners’ favor in 2021, as the top two teams in the division made the playoffs along with two wildcards. Next season the Astros might fall off even more, The Athletics will certainly get worse after losing multiple free agents, the Rangers are starting a rebuild, and I am never worried about the big-spending little brother Los Angeles Angels.

So, the Mariners would have had a real shot at making the playoffs as the second-place team in the AL West. Now, with only 5 teams making it like usual I’m still optimistic but with the way the team is currently constructed playoffs seem more realistic in 2022 or 2023.

Again, I am on the MLBPA’s side here as I am all for player empowerment and against putting more money in the Mariners’ ownership’s pockets who have been holding off on letting Jerry Dipoto spend this offseason.

The big worry that I now have for not just the Mariners but all of the league is the current CBA is set to expire in December of 2021. Get prepared for a long winter and the possibility of a longer offseason in early 2022.