How Many Games in an MLB Season? 162 + Playoffs

By Sarah Miller · June 6, 2026

Each MLB season consists of 162 regular-season games per team, followed by postseason play for qualifying teams.

The Structure of the MLB Season

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is one of the longest and most grueling in professional sports. Each of the 30 teams plays 162 regular-season games, typically beginning in late March or early April and concluding in late September or early October. This extensive schedule tests player endurance, team depth, and strategic planning throughout the campaign.

Breakdown of the MLB Schedule Format

The 162-game format has been standard since 1961 for American League teams and 1962 for National League teams. The current scheduling model balances divisional matchups, interleague play, and geographic rivalries to maintain competitive balance and fan engagement.

Teams play 76 games against opponents within their own division
66 games against teams from the other two divisions in their league
20 games in interleague play against a rotating opponent from the other league

Evolution of the MLB Game Count

The number of games in an MLB season has evolved significantly over time. Early seasons featured far fewer games, but expansion and commercial interests led to gradual increases.

Time Period	Games Per Team	Notes
1876–1881	84	National League inception
1904	154	Standardized across AL teams
1961 (AL) / 1962 (NL)	162	Expansion prompted increase
2020	60	Shortened due to pandemic
2022	162	Full schedule resumed

Table data source:1, 2

This historical progression shows how MLB adapted to growth, travel logistics, and global events. The 162-game season became feasible with improved transportation and player management techniques. The 2020 exception highlights how external factors can impact even the most entrenched schedules.

Postseason Expansion and Impact

Since 2022, the MLB postseason includes 12 teams (6 from each league), up from previous formats. This change slightly alters the significance of the 162-game race, as more teams remain playoff-eligible deeper into the season.

Three division winners per league (automatically seeded 1–3)
Three wild card teams per league (seeds 4–6)
Best-of-three Wild Card Series precedes traditional playoff rounds

The expanded format increases late-season excitement and revenue opportunities while maintaining the importance of securing a top seed through the full 162 games.

Interleague and Rivalry Games

Interleague play was introduced in 1997 and is now fully integrated into the schedule. Each team plays 20 interleague games annually, including:

A rotating matchup based on league standings from the prior year
Permanent rivals (e.g., Yankees vs. Mets, Cubs vs. White Sox)
All-star style geographic pairings during designated windows

This structure enhances national appeal and allows fans to see cross-league stars compete regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Season Length

How many games does each MLB team play in a season?

Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games in a standard year, followed by potential postseason games if they qualify.

Why does MLB play 162 games?

MLB plays 162 games to ensure statistical reliability, maximize revenue, and test team consistency over a long season. The number originated with league expansion in the 1960s and has remained standard due to tradition and scheduling balance.

Has every MLB season had 162 games?

No. The 162-game schedule began in 1961 (AL) and 1962 (NL). The 2020 season was shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Strike-shortened seasons in 1981, 1994, and 1995 also featured fewer games.

How many games are in the MLB postseason?

The MLB postseason varies by round and series outcomes. A team must win up to 11 games to claim the World Series: best-of-three Wild Card (up to 3), best-of-five Division Series (up to 5), best-of-seven League Championship (up to 7), and best-of-seven World Series (up to 7).

Do all MLB teams play the same number of games?

In a complete season, yes—all 30 teams are scheduled for 162 games. However, weather cancellations or tiebreaker scenarios may result in slight variations, though MLB strives to ensure equity in game count.