MLB may have an 80-game regular season and expanded playoffs

Daniel Hudson #44 and Yan Gomes #10 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 7 to win the World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, October 30, 2019. /VCG

In the MLB's latest efforts to bring the 2019-20 season back, the league will discuss its new proposal with team owners on Monday and the players' union on Tuesday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Some of the key components of the proposal are as follows:

Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees hits a three run home run in the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York City, June 24, 2019. /VCG

First, the 2019-20 season might begin in early May with 78 to 82 games. Each team will only play with the opponents from either their own division or the corresponding division in the other league. For example, the Tampa Bay Rays of the American League (AL) East division may meet the other four AL Eastern teams – the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays – 12 times each and play with the five teams of the National League (NL) East division – the Washington Nationals, the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins – six times.

Most teams will be allowed to used their home ballparks since the previous plan of gathering all teams in one of several locations to finish the season was already rejected.

Neil Ramirez #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, August 20, 2019. /VCG

The Canada-based Blue Jays may be an exception because, at least before May 21, 14-day-quarantine is still required for anyone traveling from the U.S. to the northern neighbor. If the Blue Jays cannot play at home, they may use the spring training stadium.

Another important change is the expansion of the playoffs. According to Rosenthal, there will be seven instead of five teams from both leagues. The two division champions with the best records will receive a first-round bye. The rest six of each league face off each other in best-of-three series.

Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, October 28, 2018. /VCG

The real sensitive content of the proposal will be financial, or more specifically, pay cuts. Considering that it won't be a complete season and some of the games will inevitably happen behind closed doors, players' salaries will no doubt be affected. In fact, the MLBPA in March already agreed to salary reductions if the season is shortened.

Nonetheless, players' agreements only cover the regular season. Playoff bonuses will be decided by gate receipts. If fans cannot enter the stadium either during the playoffs, which is not impossible, the owners and the players will need to reach a new agreement on how to share TV money.

There are also other terms including roster size growth and medical protocol that will need to be discussed and finalized. The proposal is only a start, but at least it's a step in the right direction.