MLB 2026/27

The Major League Baseball stands as the premier professional baseball league in the United States and Canada. It operates under a unique "closed league" franchise model that excludes promotion or relegation. This structure distinguishes it from many other global sporting competitions. The league encompasses 30 teams, with 29 based in the US and one in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays. It is built upon two historic leagues: the American League, established in 1901, and the National League, founded in 1876. These entities united under a single Commissioner in 2000 following an agreement in 1903.

The season schedule requires each team to play 162 games from late March through September. Competition is organized into six divisions of five teams. A postseason tournament features 12 teams competing in a series-based format. This culminates in the World Series, a best-of-seven contest. Financially, the league differs significantly from rivals like the NFL and NBA. It utilizes a soft cap known as the Competitive Balance Tax rather than a hard salary ceiling. This allows for greater financial disparity between clubs. The draft system determines player selection strictly by reverse standings without a lottery, contrasting with methods used in other North American sports.

Historical reforms have shaped the modern game. The Designated Hitter rule was introduced in the American League in 1973 and became universal in 2022. Interleague play began in 1997, allowing teams from different leagues to face each other during the regular season. The league also hosts games internationally in locations such as Mexico, London, and Japan. These elements combine to create a distinct sporting entity within the North American landscape.