MLB, MLBPA discussing playing all games in Arizona, could return in May

The entire season could be played in empty stadiums located in Arizona, if Major League Baseball returns in 2020.

The MLB and its Players Association discussed the concept during a conference call Monday, reported by Ronald Blum of The Associated Press. The super player agent Scott Boras, who has recently proposed a "functional isolation" plan for the season, weighed in on the idea.

"It allows for immediacy of a schedule, where you might be able to begin it and televise it, provide Major League Baseball to America," Boras said, according to Blum. "I think players are willing to do what's necessary because I think they understand the importance of baseball for their own livelihoods and for the interest of our country and providing a necessary product that gives all the people that are isolated enjoyment."

Half of MLB's teams host spring games in Arizona. The Diamondbacks' home stadium, Chase Field, is located in downtown Phoenix. Right now, Arizona appears to be a better option for MLB to host than Florida is. Of course Florida is where the other half of teams have their spring training.

The reason being is that the ballparks in Arizona are in a closer proximity to one another than those in Florida.

Blum also reported that for now, the players' union wants to survey its members to determine whether or not they support the proposal before even trying to move it forward. The plan does come with some hurdles.

The May return date depends on a number of concerns, and some officials believe that a June opening day could be more realistic, sources told Passan. The most important thing would be a significant increase in available coronavirus tests with a quick turnaround time, which Passan says that sources familiar with the plan believe will happen by early May and allow MLB's testing not to diminish access for the general public.

As consequential and potentially tricky as some of the challenges might be, Passan said the league and union are motivated to make this plan work because they realize the alternative might be worse for everyone: no baseball being played in 2020.

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