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1h ago

Manfred Proposes Using Expansion to Realign MLB Along East-West Lines

Any expansion plan depends on settling the Athletics’ stadium situation, with the Rays also needing a permanent home.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 01: Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is interviewed during the 2027 Chicago All-Star Game Announcement before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 01, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
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Overview

  • During ESPN’s Little League Classic broadcast, Manfred said future expansion would let MLB realign into East and West divisions to cut travel strain and create more regionally focused postseason matchups.
  • MLB has not added teams since 1998 and Manfred aims to grow to 32 franchises by 2029, although no formal timeline has been announced.
  • League reporting stresses that expansion remains conditional on the Oakland Athletics finalizing a suitable stadium deal and the Rays securing a permanent facility.
  • Realignment along geographic lines could dissolve the American League/National League structure, mirror NBA and NHL division models and reshape longstanding rivalries.
  • Cities such as Nashville, Salt Lake City, Portland, Montreal and Charlotte have been floated as potential expansion candidates, but no official selections have been made.