Much has been made of the possibility that Major League Baseball could announce suspensions for players tied to the Biogenesis case, and how it could greatly affect pennant races. But as the calendar drags on, the chances that the whole issue will spill over into the offseason grows.

Because regardless of when MLB announces the discipline it wants to impose on players, appeals will be heard. And the appeals will take a long time to play out, especially if the Major League Baseball Players Association is suddenly faced with the task of preparing many appeals, all at once.

For some individual players, such as Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez, the timing of fighting a suspension won’t necessarily affect their personal contract situations. Braun still has at least seven years to go on his deal with the Brewers, and Rodriguez is currently in year six of the 10-year, $275 million contract he signed with the Yankees following last season.

But for Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz, the delay in any decision about him could wreck his free agency.