Colorado Rockies: What relegation could look like in MLB

Sep 25, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Raimel Tapia reacts after getting called out on strikes while playing against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Raimel Tapia reacts after getting called out on strikes while playing against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports
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Colorado Rockies, MLB playoffs, relegation
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 27: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to Eric Young Sr. after hitting a single against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game Two of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Relegation and MLB Playoffs

In Class A, there would be a 12-team playoff starting with Division Championships, where the top two teams in each division play each other for the title of Division Champion.

Once that is over, the two Division Champions in each league play each other for the title of League Champion. Once the Championship Series is done, the team with the best remaining record gets to go to the World Series. The other two teams play in a series to determine the other team to make the Fall Classic.

With the top of the top sorted out, what would the bottom look like?

The worst two teams in each league will play in what I call “The Survivor’s Cup.” The winners will get to stay in the league, and the losers will risk relegation.

Whichever teams lose their “Survival Cup” would then play the corresponding league champion in the level under them. If they win that game, they would stay in their respective league. If they lose, they will be relegated into the league below them.

For example, in 2021, the Survival Cups would’ve been:

  • Baltimore Orioles @ Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Minnesota Twins @ Chicago Cubs
  • Arizona Diamondbacks @ Texas Rangers

Schedule