The Swedish Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF) already announced it a few days ago. Last year’s semifinalist Tranås has withdrawn from the Elitserien primarily due to player shortage. They contacted the SBSF in December to inform them about their decision. The SBSF invited the relegated Eskilstuna Hammers to take the open spot, but they declined. With that there will be just seven teams in the Elitserien. However no one is going to have a bye week, as the RIG Baseball Academy will be the eighth team in the first part of the regular season, playing out of competition.