MLB considering having spring training in home cities

*Photo from Ballparks of Baseball*

   In what would likely be a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, teams will have to begin a second spring training to get back in game shape. Now, MLB is considering having that spring training in the team's home cities. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, teams are preparing to resume spring training in their respective ballparks. A final decision by MLB on where spring training will be held has not been made.

   By having spring training in the teams respective ballparks instead of Florida and Arizona, it would likely eliminate the need for players to have to isolate themselves at their homes, and it would cut down on travel costs and virtually eliminate any housing expenses MLB would be making. However, a downside would be that teams would only be able to play intrasquad games during the spring training period, except cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, who have multiple teams in the area. 

   The news of this plan comes after MLB was reportedly exploring playing the season in 3 divisions, with 10 teams each, based on geography. The teams would only play within their respective divisions and there wouldn't be any fans in attendance. Previous plans include a 3 state system of Florida, Arizona, and Texas, playing the entire season in Arizona, and spending the entire season at the teams spring training sites in Florida and Arizona. MLB is looking to have a plan for the 2020 season in place by the end of May.