The 2023 MLB season is going to be quite a bit different than previous seasons.
First of all, the shift will be restricted, larger bases will be used, and a pitch clock will be implemented.
Secondly, the schedule will be more balanced.
Instead of 19 games against each division rival, that number has been cut down to 13, and every team will play each other at least once during the regular season.
This will have a major effect on several teams who may be used to play more games against their weaker division opponents.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic stopped by MLB Network earlier today to discuss the more balanced schedule and what it could mean for certain teams.
.@jaysonst breaks down the schedule changes being brought to MLB in 2023.#MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/BqrFGbtkAK
—MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 7, 2023
Stark was asked about why the schedule needed to be more balanced and whether or not the old format was problematic.
The longtime writer discussed the importance of marketing the sport and how the best way to do that is to have every team play every other team at least once during the season, quite similarly to how the NBA and NHL operate.
He was then asked about whether or not playing more games outside of the division could help or hurt certain teams, and if it’s possible that teams may win their divisions with losing records.
Stark talked about how the schedule is much fairer now and used the Cleveland Guardians as an example.
They won 92 games and won the weak AL Central, playing just 46 games against teams with winning records.
This year, they will play 60 games against teams that had winning records in 2022.
By contrast, teams in the AL East were playing between 80 and 90 games against winning teams.
Stark stressed that with the more balanced schedule, all teams will have their fair share of opportunities against winning teams and those with losing records.
