MLB 2021 is BACK! Are you ready?– What should you know about the upcoming baseball season?
As Opening Day of the 2021 MLB season approaches on Thursday, April 1, fans across the country will soon return to their home teams’ ballparks — in most cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began
Play ball! That is the call from Major League Baseball as teams have reported for spring training this month.
This month, MLB has given out its orders on what teams can do, should do, and expect. As it stands, MLB 2021 will be a 162-game campaign after the players union declined to negotiate on a delayed start to the season. There is a lot to be aware of ahead of the start of spring training games and teams moving north for the first pitch of the season.
MLB will make its second attempt to play amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 season saw a number of rule changes put in place and only 60 regular-season games played. The good news for sports bettors and fans is that MLB 2021 will be more like a normal baseball season.
Like the NBA, NFL, and NHL, the COVID-19 pandemic could see games postponed to slow down or stop the spread of the virus.
When will the MLB 2021 season start?
Grapefruit and Cactus League spring training games will be played from February 28 to March 30. Select teams will host exhibition games at their home ballparks in the days prior to Opening Day.
The regular season will begin Thursday, April 1 with each team playing 162 games unless cancellations occur due to the coronavirus. The All-Star Game will be played on July 13 at Truist Park (formerly SunTrust Park) in Atlanta.
The final day of the MLB 2021 regular season will be Sunday, Oct. 3. The playoff Wild Card games will commence on Oct. 5. If the season goes as planned, the World Series will start Tuesday, Oct. 26 and a Game 7 (if needed) will take place Nov. 3.
Are there rule changes to the MLB 2021 season?
Last season’s shortened campaign saw a few changes to the rules such as DHs used in both leagues and teams staying within their region to play games against rivals in the NL and AL.
So far, MLB has reached an agreement with the players union on health and safety protocols. The league will revert to no DH in the NL — which if you are a traditionalist, you will love. The expanded playoffs will be reduced to normal.
However, MLB does have some rule changes that will remain or be different. Doubleheader games will remain seven innings and extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. Teams’ active rosters will return to 26 players. Teams will be allowed a five-man taxi squad for home games. In addition, they will have up to 28 players at either their alternate training sites or Triple-A affiliate ball club. If needed MLB will use neutral sites for the playoffs games if COVID-19 levels are high.
MLB coaches and staff must wear contact tracing devices at all times. All covered individuals must be tested at least every other day. Their household members will be provided with testing during the season, too. Fans will be allowed into stadiums where possible as long as local guidelines allow it.
Who is the favorite to win the World Series 2021?
The LA Dodgers won their first World Series since 1988 last season. The powerhouse club from Chavez Ravine is favored to win the World Series once more.
The latest odds from Bovada look like this:
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Los Angeles Dodgers | +300 |
New York Yankees | +600 |
San Diego Padres | +750 |
Chicago White Sox | +850 |
New York Mets | +900 |
Atlanta Braves | +1000 |
Toronto Blue Jays | +2000 |
Minnesota Twins | +2200 |
Oakland Athletics | +2400 |
St. Louis Cardinals | +2400 |
Houston Astros | +2500 |
Tampa Bay Rays | +2800 |
Cincinnati Reds | +3500 |
Washington Nationals | +4000 |
Cleveland Indians | +4500 |
Los Angeles Angels | +5000 |
Boston Red Sox | +5000 |
Chicago Cubs | +5500 |
Philadelphia Phillies | +5500 |
Milwaukee Brewers | +5500 |
Miami Marlins | +8000 |
San Francisco Giants | +10000 |
Seattle Mariners | +10000 |
Baltimore Orioles | +12500 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | +12500 |
Detroit Tigers | +12500 |
Kansas City Royals | +12500 |
Texas Rangers | +15000 |
Colorado Rockies | +15000 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | +20000 |
Ready to win?
Upgrade now and unlock ALL picks in all sports
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.