Texas Rangers: Rob Manfred needs to consider expanding playoffs

Rob Manfred is at a crossroads right now in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the players union right now. Clearly, there needs to be something that he can put on the negotiating table that could entice both sides to resume talks, especially as it pertains to getting our beloved Texas Rangers back in action.

Here’s how expanding the playoffs for baseball could bring everyone back to the table to finalize this deal and bring back baseball in 2022.

One reason why they should bring up expanding the playoffs is that every major sports league has already done it. The NFL finalized a new playoff format where only the top seed would get the bye and they added an extra team to each conference.

Expanding the MLB playoffs in 2022 and beyond could benefit the Texas Rangers as well as other clubs

The NBA has added a play-in tournament where the ninth and tenth seed has a shot against the seventh and eighth seed to make it into the first round of the playoffs.

It’s embarrassing that baseball hasn’t expanded their playoffs yet. You would figure with the amount of money the MLB makes during the playoffs that they would add extra teams to increase that postseason revenue.

Another reason why they should expand the MLB playoffs is it would allow good teams that are right outside the wildcard a shot at making it in the postseason. Imagine if the Texas Rangers were one game outside of the final wildcard spot and didn’t make it in. With all the new additions the team has made, a legitimate jump in win total for 2022 and contending for a Wild Card isn’t totally unrealistic.

All I’m asking Rob Manfred to do is add an extra team or two in the American and National League so that way it makes things interesting. What if, hypothetically, one of those extra teams made it all the way to the World Series and won? That would be a great story for reporters to write on and fans to brag about, as well as added revenue and excitement for baseball.

I know this probably won’t get added to the new final CBA agreement (like the universal DH likely will), but it’s an idea that I could entice both sides to reach an agreement after the holidays. What a Christmas gift this would be for all baseball fans.

Then Texas Rangers fans can get their hands on a new Corey Seager jersey which will probably sell out in the first ten minutes.