The MLB playoffs are set to begin on Oct. 3, 2023, yet no one seems to be talking about it. But, why? As time has gone on, American sports fans have veered away from baseball, also known as “America’s pastime,” and turned their attention to the NFL. Despite an exciting MLB season filled with plenty of great stories, the NFL reigns supreme and continues to grow in America.
The MLB has taken steps forward this season to make the sport more consumable for the average viewer, but the league still lacks the flare and thrill that the NFL has. The NFL is a live reality television show filled with plenty of superstars and intriguing personalities that motivate fans to follow them both on and off the field. The MLB has failed to market its superstars in the same way and is losing viewers in the process.
The decision to shorten baseball games with the addition of the pitch clock proved to be a major success this season. Shorter games helped increase viewership and attendance numbers across the MLB, but that all changed once football season began.
The NFL continues to dominate headlines with newfound drama seemingly every week. Whether it be the state of the running back position with contract holdouts and trade requests or Kansas City Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce dating arguably the most popular celebrity in the world (Taylor Swift), the NFL always gives you something to talk about.
What can the MLB do to compete with the NFL? Do they need to do a better job of introducing their stars and high-profile athletes to the country? Whatever the answer is, the MLB needs to figure it out fast for the sake of the sport.
