As MLB free agency opens, infamous agent Scott Boras has quickly become a central figure, representing some of the most sought-after players in the market this winter.
Among his high-profile clients is New York Yankees star Juan Soto, who will surely attract significant interest from teams ahead of the 2025 season.
During the recent GM Meetings, Boras held court with the media, addressing not only his clients’ prospects but also proposing a significant change to the playoff format.
Boras suggested that MLB extend the American and National League Division Series from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven format, aligning it with the longer Championship Series and World Series rounds.
“The division series deserves the same level of competition,” Boras argued.
Boras believes a best-of-seven setup would provide more opportunity for comebacks, allowing teams to demonstrate resilience across a longer series.
Currently, the postseason includes a best-of-three wild-card round, followed by a best-of-five division series, while the championship rounds and World Series remain best-of-seven.
Boras’s proposal would lengthen the division series to seven games, but it would also extend the playoffs deeper into November – a move MLB may hesitate to make after recently expanding the wild-card format.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, freshly crowned as the 2024 World Series champions after defeating the New York Yankees in five games, demonstrated the benefits of momentum and skill throughout an extended postseason run.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers aim to defend their title in 2025, perhaps with the possible addition of Boras’ star client, Soto. (Although it’s hard to imagine the Yankees letting him walk away.)
Meanwhile, the upcoming Winter Meetings, scheduled for December 9-11 in Dallas, will offer teams a crucial opportunity to negotiate with free agents and shape their rosters for 2025.
Boras, whose client list remains among the most impressive in baseball, will once again be a key player in the discussions as he negotiates deals for his star-studded roster.
With Opening Day set for March 27, teams will have limited time to finalize deals before the regular season begins.
As Boras’s top clients hit the market, his influence – both in contract negotiations and the league’s broader direction – continues to shape Major League Baseball’s future.
What are your thoughts on Boras’ suggested change to the playoff format???
