What Is 2020 National League wild card series

Overview

The 2020 National League Wild Card Series was a direct result of the unique circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the regular MLB season shortened from 162 to just 60 games, Major League Baseball implemented a temporary expansion of the postseason format to include more teams and increase playoff excitement.

This new structure allowed eight National League teams to qualify for the postseason, doubling the usual number of wild card participants. The Wild Card Series served as the opening round, replacing the traditional single-elimination Wild Card Game with a best-of-three format to determine advancement.

• Eight teams from the National League qualified for the 2020 postseason, up from the usual five, due to the expanded playoff format.
• Each series was a best-of-three matchup, with all games played at the home ballpark of the higher-seeded team.
• The series took place from September 30 to October 2, 2020, immediately following the abbreviated regular season.
• Teams were seeded 1 through 8 based on win-loss records, with division winners receiving top three seeds regardless of record.
• The format was a one-time expansion approved by MLB and the Players Association to accommodate the 60-game regular season caused by pandemic delays.

How It Works

The 2020 Wild Card Series introduced a new layer to MLB’s postseason structure, designed to maintain competitive integrity while adapting to a drastically shortened season. Instead of the usual single Wild Card Game, teams now faced a short series to open the playoffs.

• Best-of-three series: The first team to win two games advanced to the Division Series. All games were played consecutively at the higher seed’s home field.
• Seeding structure: The top three seeds went to division winners, while seeds 4 through 8 were assigned to the next best records, regardless of division.
• Home-field advantage: The higher-seeded team hosted all games at their ballpark, eliminating travel and reducing health risks during the pandemic.
• Expanded field:16 total teams (8 per league) made the playoffs in 2020, compared to the usual 10, increasing league participation to 40%.
• Qualification: Teams qualified based on winning percentage, as uneven schedules made total wins unreliable for comparison.
• Neutral site consideration: Though initially discussed, MLB ultimately decided to use home ballparks with safety protocols instead of centralized locations.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 Wild Card Series format with the traditional MLB postseason structure:

The 2020 format was widely seen as a necessary adaptation rather than a permanent change. While it gave more teams hope late into the season, critics argued it diluted competitive balance. Nevertheless, the best-of-three series provided more opportunities for underdogs to advance, as seen when the eighth-seeded Chicago Cubs defeated the top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series.

Why It Matters

The 2020 National League Wild Card Series represented a pivotal moment in MLB’s ability to adapt to crisis while maintaining fan engagement. Its structure influenced future discussions about expanding the postseason permanently.

• The expanded format increased television viewership and advertising revenue during a financially challenging year for MLB.
• It gave small-market teams like the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres a rare playoff berth, boosting national exposure.
• The use of best-of-three series reduced the impact of pitching anomalies compared to single-elimination games.
• MLB tested health and safety protocols, including frequent testing and no fans, setting a precedent for future events.
• The success of the format led to the 12-team playoff structure being adopted in future years, albeit with modifications.
• It highlighted the importance of regular-season seeding, as home-field advantage became critical without travel.

While the 2020 format was temporary, its legacy endures in ongoing debates about fairness, revenue, and competitive balance in MLB postseason design.