Playoffs return to International League, MLB announces postseason format change

IL to have best-of-three series between first half, second half winners

March 28, 2023

Major League Baseball today announce a new format to the playoffs at the Triple-A level that includes the return of a best-of-three-game series in the International League. Under the new format, the International League season will be split into two halves, with the first half ending on June 25 and

Major League Baseball today announce a new format to the playoffs at the Triple-A level that includes the return of a best-of-three-game series in the International League.

Under the new format, the International League season will be split into two halves, with the first half ending on June 25 and the second half commencing on June 28. The regular season will conclude on Sunday, September 24. The first-half winners will serve as the hosts for a best-of-three game League Champions Series, which is slated to begin on Tuesday, September 26. The winner of that series will represent the International League against the winner of the Pacific Coast League in a one-game Triple-A National Championship Game on Saturday, September 30 at Las Vegas Ballpark.

“The Triple-A National Championship Game is a jewel event for so many across the game, and this format will be great for fans,” said Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations. “We look forward to celebrating the conclusion of the 2023 Minor League season at one of the top ballparks in the sport.”