Why is MLB starting the 2020 season on March 26?

[Ohiogal]

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer,

“You can blame the early start of the season on politics. MLB wanted the World Series over before the U.S. Presidential election on Nov. 3. In the last basic agreement the players were granted four more off days in a season, which factors into the early start as well.”

My Cleveland Indians are scheduled to play 13 home games before April 17.

I have been to exactly one home game in Cleveland in April in my entire life. Found it way too freaking cold to be watching a baseball game outdoors.

Why can’t MLB schedule more (but not all.... for reasons of home openers, obviously) games played in Southern locations during the month of April? They used to do that years ago, as I recall. Eh, I guess that made too much sense.