Rob Manfred addresses possibility of cancelling 2027 Major League Baseball season: 'We want to play'
Rob Manfred said Major League Baseball "wants" and is "planning" to play in 2027 but stopped short of guaranteeing no lockout as CBA talks continue.
TL;DR
- The 2026 MLB season is approaching its end with several intriguing storylines, including historically low .500 teams in postseason contention in the American League and a close National League MVP race.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers, recovering from a losing streak, are positioned for a first-round bye, and their postseason performance will be a major talking point.
- There is a significant risk of a lockout starting December 1, 2026, when the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, potentially delaying or canceling the 2027 season.
- Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed that MLB "wants" and is "planning" to play in 2027 but did not provide a definitive guarantee.
- The owners' objective is to increase profits by reducing the percentage of revenue allocated to players, potentially through a salary cap.
- A lengthy work stoppage could harm the league's momentum, which is being built by a new generation of exciting young players.