SB Nation Reacts: MLB fans aren’t crazy about the rule changes for 2020

As you know, the 2020 MLB season was shortened to 60-games (and who knows, maybe we don’t even get that many). Beyond the truncated season, MLB launched new rules to try and get games completed in even less time.

This year, every inning beyond the ninth starts with a runner on second base, an attempt to promote extra-inning scoring and prevent games from going into the 10th, 11th or 12th inning. In addition MLB and the MLB Players association recently came to an agreement to allow doubleheaders featuring two seven-inning games. We’ve already had a couple of those, too.

According to the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey, baseball fans aren’t enjoying the rule changes. Fewer than 50 percent of fans surveyed said they like the extra-inning rule and only about one-quarter of fans who responded hope the rule stays beyond this season.

Results were similar when fans were asked about the doubleheader change. Only 42 percent of fans are in favor of two seven-inning games.

The main reason for baseball’s doubleheader push is an attempt to complete as many of each team’s 60-game schedule as possible. With multiple teams already dealing with an extended layoff between games due to positive COVID-19 tests — and the Cubs and Cardinals now potentially dealing with that after Friday’s postponement — it’s becoming more likely that even with doubleheaders teams will fall short of the 60-game mark.

When asked how many games are needed from a team to enter the playoffs, a plurality of fans said each team needs to complete all 60 games.

SB Nation Reacts is a survey of fans across MLB. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged in Cubs fans, and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.