Plan for Yankees vs Red Sox in London

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball is working on a plan to stage a two-game series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at London's Olympic Stadium in 2019 as the sport's first regular-season showcase in Europe.

The Red Sox have the option of having both games be Boston home games, a source familiar with the planning told Associated Press on Monday.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity because details have not been finalized.

Baseball officials have long hoped for games in London and settled last year on Olympic Stadium, which is in its second season as home of West Ham of the Premier League.

Because it originally was built for a 400-meter track, it is wider than other large stadiums in the London area and can best accommodate the dimensions of a baseball field.

"This is something the two clubs have discussed for years with MLB and hopefully it will become a reality," Red Sox owner John Henry said in an email to Associated Press.

MLB chose June 29-30 for the two games because it is after the Premier League soccer season and before the stadium must be made available for summer track and field events.

MLB hopes to make a formal announcement by June 1.

On top of their regular salary, each player would get $60,000 for participating in the games, according to the collective bargaining agreement.

MLB will play regular-season games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Monterrey, Mexico, during the upcoming season.

Associated Press