The Major League Baseball (MLB) office has proposed a plan to the players' union to reduce the number of regular season games and expand the postseason schedule.

On October 8 (local time), during a collective bargaining agreement negotiation with the players' union, the MLB office delivered a reform proposal that would reduce the regular-season game count from the current 162 games to 154 games, while expanding the Division Series in the postseason from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven format.

The MLB office explained, "Transitioning to a 154-game system will guarantee one rest day per week, which will help players manage their physical stamina and maintain their health," adding, "We can also expect the effect of securing new national broadcasting time slots by utilizing Mondays as off days."

Furthermore, they conveyed, "Even with fewer games, player salaries will not be reduced, and various bonus payment criteria, such as options, will be adjusted to fit the shortened schedule."

The postseason schedule is also set for a major overhaul.

The MLB office has drawn up plans to extend the overall schedule of the fall classic by expanding the Division Series and adding more off days.

The Associated Press introduced the initiative, reporting, "The plan is to add rest days so that ace starting pitchers can pitch in more games."

In addition, the proposal included a measure allowing top-seeded teams to choose their opponents.

However, it remains uncertain whether the reform proposal will actually be implemented.

The players' union stated that it would review the contents of the proposal and provide a response at the bargaining table.

MLB management and the union are sharply at odds ahead of the collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1.

The club owners are demanding the introduction of a salary cap and restrictions on the size and duration of player contracts, which the players' union strongly opposes.

Local media outlets forecast that team owners are highly likely to resort to a lockout once the current collective bargaining agreement expires.

Should the labor dispute be prolonged, possibilities have been raised that the opening of the 2027 season could be delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, the entire season could be canceled.

MLB operated under a 154-game per team system starting in 1904, before the American League transitioned to a 162-game system in 1961 and the National League followed in 1962.

The KBO League has operated under a 144-game per team system since 2015, when the 10-team system was launched.