MLB to face challenges if regular season resumes with full schedule

Adam Eaton of the Washington Nationals hits a two-run single during the ninth inning in Game 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, October 30, 2019. /VCG

Last week, the MLB decided to cancel the rest of the spring training games and delay the opening of the regular season in response to the spread of COVID-19 all over the U.S. Though it remains unknown when the new season will start, the MLB still hopes to play a full, 162-game regular season.

Sam Kennedy, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, on Friday outlined the above hope to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe. Kennedy also mentioned that the missed games would happen at the end of the year.

If this plan comes true, there will be some serious problems for the MLB to deal with.

Jose Altuve, #27 of the Houston Astros, gets the force out against Ryan Zimmerman, #11 of the Washington Nationals, during the ninth inning in Game 7 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park, October 30, 2019. /VCG

First, it usually takes six months to finish the regular season and the playoffs, including the World Series, will last for about another month, judging by past experiences. Therefore, if the new season begins in May, it will be at least November when the regular season is finished.

Temperature will be the first test. In previous years, when the World Series happens in late October, many players will be in thick, heavy clothing before they are sent to the field. What will happen to them when the weather gets one month closer to winter?

Teams are not the only ones who should worry. Compared with those who are at least able to work on the field to heat up (maybe), the audience may have to sit in the stadium for hours – the average game duration of the 2019 season was 3:05:35.

Fernando Rodney of the Minnesota Twins reacts to snow during the ninth inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 4, 2018. /AP

Of course things will be easier if it's the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers that make the World Series. However, what if the Minnesota Twins enter the World Series? In that case, a roof is needed of the park; the whole stadium may have to be heated, which will cost a fortune; the game may be postponed if there is a blizzard.

Cold weather won't be the only concern for the MLB at the end of the year. Even if all games are finished, the 2020 season will take a big bite of the time that should have been part of the 2021 off-season. Despite the large squad that MLB teams keep, it's still very difficult for their players to remain healthy in the long season. Teams need the precious time of the off-season to recover and prepare for the new campaign. If the off-season is shortened, what will the MLB do? Cancel some spring training games?