According to a report from Bob Nightengale (USA Today), the start of the 2021 MLB season could be postponed. League owners and executives want players and staff members to take the COVID-19 vaccine once its readily available, and that may not be until after the scheduled start to Spring Training.
“I don’t see any way spring training starts in February. Zero chance of that. I don’t care if we play 140 games, 120 games or 80 games, we have to make sure everyone is safe to do this right.’’ — said an American League owner
Shortening the 2021 season would mean more financial losses for teams, something executives are willing to deal with to keep everyone safe.
In contrast, the MLBPA believes the season should start on time using many protocols from the shortened 2020 season. Major League Baseball doesn’t want to place a private order of COVID-19 vaccinations to allow frontline workers and high-risk individuals to get it first.
“Knowing what I know about last season, I feel that the 2021 season can be played in full. I’m hopeful for that. I’m just proud of everyone in the industry, from top to bottom, made that adjustment and made it work. We got to the finish line, there was a world champion for the 2020 season.” — Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks Manager
By spending less time at the field, wearing masks, social distancing, and getting tested frequently, it led to a shortened but safe 2020 season. Players feel that by readapting these practices, a full season can be completed safely despite COVID-19 spiking throughout the country.
Right now, the NBA is beginning their 2020-2021 campaign in home arenas, mainly without fans. The outcome of their plan could help sway Major League Baseball’s decision on whether to postpone the start of the season, since the NBA is planning to play regardless of outbreaks. Like Major League Baseball, the NBA isn’t planning on any private orders of COVID-19 vaccines.
The hope is that by early spring, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for anyone to take. If the start of the MLB season is postponed, it likely won’t be postponed nearly as long as it was in 2020.