When the league and players failed to reach a deal, with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred instead implementing the 2020 season, the immediate belief was that much of what was in the potential deal would be off the table. Not so fast.

The universal DH, which was in the deal, is still happening due to it being a player safety issue.

And the expanded playoffs, which would mean an increase from 10 to 16 teams for the 2020 season, could still happen as well.

"I would simply say that if there's interest to discuss something, I'll be available to discuss it," MLBPA chief Tony Clark told the AP regarding reaching a deal with the league on other matters before the season.

Simply put, nothing is off the table. And with a potential deadline of Opening Day to get a deal done on other aspects -- including an expanded postseason -- the 2020 season could change shape again.

For any team, having three additional wild card spots in their league would obviously be a plus. But for an expected contender like the Mets, who are in arguably the toughest division in baseball and have one of the most difficult schedules in baseball, an expanded postseason field could clear a path for them that doesn't currently exist.

In projected standings released Wednesday by FanGraphs, the Mets finish at 31-29, 1.0 game behind the Padres for the second and (for now) final Wild Card spot.

While the expanded playoffs would benefit teams, it would also be a boon for the league, with the television revenue that would come with additional postseason games.

Perhaps an agreement can be reached between the sides revolving around a share of postseason money for the players.

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