The NBA and NHL have proved that it is possible to hold sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a bubble-like environment and avoid outbreaks, and Major League Baseball reportedly may follow suit.
According to Jeff Passan, MLB is holding "preliminary discussions" about having its playoffs in a bubble-like model. The discussions have come after outbreaks within the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins have led to a number of postponed games. Passan noted MLB is looking at a multicity format, much like the NHL did with Toronto and Edmonton, and could hold its wild-card round in three hub cities before holding later rounds in two cities.
The report cited sources who said no favorites have emerged for potential host cities, although Chicago, New York and Southern California could stand out because they all have multiple MLB teams and stadiums.
COVID-19 outbreaks and postponed games have been a defining feature of the early portion of the season even though they have been limited to the Marlins and Cardinals to this point.
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