Texas Rangers won’t make MLB playoffs, but World Series is coming to Globe Life Field
The World Series is coming to Globe Life Field this season, even though the Texas Rangers won’t be a part of it.
MLB has proposed that the Fall Classic and two other rounds of the postseason be held at the new $1.2 billion ballpark with a retractable roof, three baseball sources said. The National League Division Series and Championship Series would also be played at Globe Life Field.
The plan requires the approval of the MLB Players Association, but there has been no objection so far and MLB is moving forward with its plans. Both sides must agree to a plan on how to house players safely to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and the potential canceling of the postseason.
ESPN reported late Friday that Globe Life Field would host three rounds of the postseason, which will be played at neutral sites in warm-weather MLB cities. Minute Maid Park in Houston would host the other NL Division, series while San Diego and Los Angeles would host the American League rounds.
Wild-card rounds will all be played at the higher seed’s ballpark.
The World Series is scheduled to begin Oct. 20.
The Texas Rangers could benefit financially as the hosts, a source said, but it wouldn’t put much of a dent in their overall losses from the 2020 season. Baseball, though, has much to gain by conducting its postseason.
The postseason television package is worth at least $787 million, but could push $1 billion. MLB players would receive a $50 million bonus.
Knowing the potential financial hit an outbreak of COVID-19 could cause, MLB is pushing for teams and players’ families to be housed in a bubble for each round. Some players have voiced concerns about MLB’s plan, and the sides are working to find a solution.
The Rangers are hopeful of hosting fans for the postseason, something they have been unable to do this season. They could hold fans up to 50% capacity, which would be approximately 20,000.
