Overview

• Speaking on ESPN during the Little League Classic, Rob Manfred said adding teams would create an opportunity to group clubs by region to cut travel and improve postseason TV windows.
• The commissioner has reiterated a goal of selecting two expansion cities before his 2029 retirement, with reporting frequently naming Nashville and Salt Lake City as leading contenders.
• MLB has not announced an expansion vote or a realignment blueprint, and officials have tied expansion timing to settling the Athletics’ and Rays’ ballpark situations.
• Fans and commentators quickly pushed back at the prospect of dissolving the American and National Leagues, with Mets broadcaster Howie Rose and analyst Cameron Maybin among the critics.
• Recent changes such as the universal designated hitter and a balanced schedule have reduced AL/NL distinctions, and expansion to 32 teams would likely force some form of new divisional structure.