Commissioner Rob Manfred DEFENDS new MLB playoff format amidst huge criticism, urges fans to give it some time

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has come forward and defended the criticism the league is receiving over the new postseason format.

Commissioner Rob Manfred DEFENDS new MLB playoff format amidst huge criticism, urges fans to give it some time

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred (Pic Credit: AP)

The 2023 MLB postseason is in full swing. It has once again given the audience the action-packed drama it promises. There though has been one development that has raised questions regarding its format. The postseason saw the top five teams with the best record all get eliminated. These teams would finish the playoffs with a 1-31 record, with the Atlanta Braves winning the sole game.

Braves along with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles were one of the three teams to win 100 or more games this year. This enabled all of them to finish top of their division and get byes into the Division series. This meant that this team got a five-day break, unlike other teams which perhaps saw their momentum being washed away and saw them take an early bow. Commissioner Rob Manfred has now given his say in this verdict.

YouTube video

The MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to expand the playoffs. This movement witnessed an increase in number of teams participating in the postseason from 10 to 12. As per the new format, the three divisions and three wild card teams from each division would take part.

FS Video

Manfred has now defended this decision. The 65-year-old has not had a healthy relationship with the fans since taking charge. He has been slammed time and again for his decisions. He has now asked the fans and others to give it (the new format) a few times to settle in.

Related: Alex Rodriguez ex-Jennifer Lopez once called MLB star ‘liar’ for disclosing different narrative of their first date

Rob Manfred assures fans of reevaluating the postseason format

The postseason is one of the things, the MLB fans look forward to every year. This year there has been no shortage of drama. However, some of the big anticipated names have dropped down early. The new playoff rule has since been under the radar. While Commissioner Rob Manfred asked the fans to give this structure a few times, he has also assured them that he and his team will reevaluate the format and see what can be done.

Rob Manfred
Rob Manfred (Pic Credit: AP)

“It’s only Year 2. I’m sort of the view you need to give something a chance to work out. I know some of the higher-seeded teams didn’t win,” Manfred said. He further added, “I think if you think about where some of those teams were, there are some other explanations than a five-day layoff. But I think we’ll reevaluate in the offseason like we always do and think about if we have the format right.”

Coaches have also underlined this situation. Baltimore Orioles coach Brandon Hyde claimed he does not think they needed a five-day break. The question now remains is whether Manfred and his team will change the format again.

Speaking of the postseason, the Texas Rangers will be going up against the Houston Astros in the ALCS. Meanwhile, the NLCS will feature a battle between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks. There are also chances that there could be a repeat of last season’s World Series matchup between the Phillies and Astros.

In case you missed it: