According to several rumors, the MLB is still planning on playing a full 162 game schedule in 2020 despite the Opening Day postponement due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Along with other sports, the MLB suspended their season on Thursday. Right now, the league is planning to open the season in early to mid-April, but that may already be in jeopardy.
I think that at this point, the most realistic start date probably isn’t until around May 1st. If this virus clears out in a few weeks, players will still need a bit of time to get game ready.
May 1st would probably be the latest date that the season could start if there are still intentions to play a 162 game schedule. This would lead to a December World Series, and the weather becomes a huge factor by then.
The league could consider expanding rosters to over 30 players for the season. If they did that, they could schedule some doubleheaders to try and end the season earlier while playing a full schedule. Teams could have maybe seven guys in the rotation for doubleheaders, with everyone still throwing every five days.
But, fatigue would be a huge issue for relievers and position players if there were to be scheduled doubleheaders. Once the COVID-19 situation gets better overall, the league office and teams could meet to decide the best course of action for the remainder of the season.
No matter which way the league decides to go, there will be pros and cons. They just need to do what will be best for both the players and the fans.