MLB Expansion: A New Era Awaits

As Major League Baseball (MLB) contemplates the possibility of expansion, significant changes could be on the horizon for the league. During an appearance on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hinted at the potential for realigning divisions geographically should the league expand in the future.

"I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign," Manfred stated. He emphasized the benefits of reducing travel for players, thereby saving them from unnecessary wear and tear during the season.

Manfred has previously expressed his ambition to implement a process to expand the league to 32 teams before his retirement, which is projected for 2029. According to ESPN, the league is focused on two primary expansion markets: Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nashville, Tennessee.

Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported last month that the MLB has determined these two cities as the strongest candidates for new franchises, while confirming that there are no plans to establish an expansion team in Oakland following the Athletics' impending move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Nashville has emerged as a leading contender for an expansion team largely due to the efforts of the Music City Baseball ownership group, which includes notable former athletes like NFL running back Eddie George and MLB pitchers Barry Zito and R.A. Dickey. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City is advocating for its own franchise with the support of the Big League Utah group, which is backed by the Larry H. Miller Company and the Miller Family, known for their involvement with Real Salt Lake in MLS and the Utah Royals FC in NWSL.

The introduction of new teams is expected to foster fresh rivalries as MLB reimagines its divisional landscape under Manfred's vision.