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MLB is considering a format for the 2020 season that would eliminate the AL and NL format, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. If it were to take place, this division alignment would only be for the 2020 season, if the season ends up happening. Under this scenario, all teams would go to their spring training facilities in Florida and Arizona. The teams would only play games in the states they have spring training in, and there wouldn't be fans in attendance. The divisions would be re-aligned based on stadium proximity for ease of travel. There would be a 3 week ramp up period to prepare for the season. Here is one possible division alignment scenario.
Grapefruit league(Florida)
North: Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, Pirates, Tigers
South: Red Sox, Twins, Rays, Braves, Orioles
West: Nationals, Astros, Cardinals, Marlins, Mets
Cactus league(Arizona)
Northeast: Cubs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Athletics, Rockies
West: White Sox, Dodgers, Indians, Angels, Reds
Northwest: Brewers, Mariners, Padres, Rangers, Royals
For the duration of this proposed season format, the DH would likely become universal, as it is in spring training normally. If this plan is enacted, 3 major league stadiums would be available for games as well. Chase Field in Arizona, and Tropicana Field and Marlins Park in Florida would be available for teams to play in. The postseason structure is up in the air, but a world series could be played in domed stadiums in November, and would be played between the Cactus league and Grapefruit league champions. This is one of several plans being discussed in order to play baseball in 2020, with playing the entire season across Arizona being one option. MLB is waiting for health and government officials to give the all clear for playing sports again before the season would start.
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