Those who were interrupted mid-season (like the N.B.A., the N.H.L., and most soccer leagues) scrambled to put plans in place to move forward. Other upcoming competitions determined that they were certain to be affected, and pushed dates far into the future (N.C.A.A. sports, minor league baseball, Euro 2020, the 2020 Olympics). Others still could see the potential impact coming, but haven’t wanted to publicly acknowledge anything needs to change (hey there, N.F.L.).

And then there’s baseball. The 2020 season was about to start, but never did. (Even M.L.S. got a few games in before they had to pause). Because of this, baseball is in the unique position of being able to plan a modified season from scratch that accommodates COVID and fully preserves the integrity of the competition. This is kind of freeing: for one season (please, let it be one season), baseball can try something different. They’re forced to.

This is a golden opportunity.