The 2026 Major League Baseball season is nearing its end, with several teams from the American League struggling to stay above .500 in postseason position. This has created a competitive landscape in the National League, where Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is giving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani a run for the National League MVP award.
The Dodgers, who had a lengthy losing streak earlier in the season, have recovered and are now in position to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their fate in October will be closely watched, as a third consecutive championship win could lead to complaints about competitive balance in baseball, while a loss could label them as "chokers".
As the season draws to a close, attention is shifting to the collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of the year. With the possibility of a lockout looming, Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the issue during a broadcast of the Little League Classic game between the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Manfred stated that the league is meeting regularly with the players, but acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.
When asked about the possibility of a lengthy work stoppage or the cancellation of the 2027 season, Manfred emphasized the league's goal of making a deal. "We want to make a deal," he said. "We want to play baseball next year. We're planning on playing baseball next year." However, some have interpreted these comments as less than reassuring, given the stakes involved.
The potential consequences of a lockout or cancelled season are significant, particularly for young players like Crow-Armstrong, who are helping to build momentum for the league.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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