Cubs would face even more pressure to dethrone Brewers thanks to MLB's latest CBA proposal

The Chicago Cubs made it clear last spring training that the path that puts them in the best position to have success in October is winning the division. Such an outcome that would allow the Cubs to have home-field advantage at Wrigley Field. While the Cubs had that awareness, the reality is the finished the season 14 games back of the Brewers in the division and fumbled away the top spot in the Wild Card.

Major League Baseball's latest proposal would increase the importance of the Cubs winning their division. The proposal would see the regular season moved back to 154 games, starting in 2029, and in the immediate future, allow the higher-seeded clubs in the Wild Card and Division Series pick their own opponent.

Tying it to this season, the Atlanta Braves would have had to pick between the Cubs or Philadelphia Phillies. It creates a fascinating thought exercise for teams making the decision. In the Braves' case, playing the Phillies certainly worked out in their favor, but would they have picked the Cubs to avoid the weirdness that comes with playing a division rival in the playoffs?

MLB's latest CBA proposal puts even more pressure on Cubs to end Brewers' reign of terror

Looking outward to 2029, and the idea of the regular-season being shortened to 154 games, that does feel like a concept that should work. At the very least, it would avoid teams having to play games of consequence during the final week of March.

Of all the proposals Major League Baseball has submitted in recent months, this is one that actually does make some degree of sense. The playoff format would certainly be odd, but add even more incentive for teams to win their division.

Though, don't take that as a sign that talks are progressing and that a work stoppage can be avoided. Earlier this week, Major League Baseball sent a memo to owners, outlining how operations should be conducted during the lockout. As expected, it will start as soon as the clock strikes midnight on December 2, and team websites will be scrubbed of player images and likeness. It's also encouraged that team officials have no contact with players with the exception of social gatherings.

Before then, there is an expectation that things will be hot and heavy in November. There's expected to be early free-agent signings and trades as teams look to conduct business one final times under the rules that are currently established.

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