Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Major League Baseball is considering expansion and a major geographic realignment, potentially reshaping the league’s structure.
- Rob Manfred hinted at adding new teams, possibly in Nashville and Salt Lake City, before his contract ends in 2026.
- The realignment aims to reduce player travel, improve game quality, and optimize TV scheduling across time zones.
- A proposed format involves dividing MLB into two conferences and four geographically-based divisions.
- Reactions from fans are mixed, with some concerned about losing MLB’s traditional structure amidst the changes.
Table of Contents
MLB’s Potential Expansion and Geographic Realignment: What Fans Need to Know
MLB’s Potential Expansion and Geographic Realignment: What Fans Need to Know
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred recently sparked significant discussion by hinting at potential expansion of MLB teams alongside a radical realignment of baseball’s traditional league and division structure. These developments could reshape the sport as we know it, affecting players, fans, and broadcasters alike.
What Did Rob Manfred Say?
During ESPN’s broadcast of the Little League Classic on August 17, 2025, Manfred indicated the possibility of adding new teams to MLB and a concurrent shakeup in divisions, including possibly breaking up the American and National Leagues to realign geographically. He emphasized this change could help reduce player travel wear and tear while creating better TV scheduling opportunities—especially for West Coast audiences where games can now air late at night. Manfred suggested this realignment would mirror professional leagues like the NBA and NHL, featuring conferences oriented East and West instead of the historic AL and NL setup[0][2][3].
He also expressed optimism that expansion teams could be announced before his contract ends in 2026, narrowing chances to cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City which have been noted as leading candidates[2].
Why Geographic Realignment?
Current MLB divisions are based on a legacy structure that can cause excessive and costly cross-country travel. Geographic divisions would cluster teams to reduce travel time and fatigue, potentially improving player health and game quality. For broadcasters such as ESPN, regional matchups mean more consistent prime-time slots and better engagement from local fan bases across different time zones[0][4].
The Proposed Format Changes
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden proposed a plan dividing MLB into two conferences and four divisions each, based purely on geography. This could create more balanced competition and interesting playoff paths, perhaps benefiting struggling teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates with more winnable divisions[3].
Expansion History and Context
The idea of expanding MLB to 32 teams has been gaining traction for years. Expansion would follow recent franchise relocations like the Athletics moving to Las Vegas and attempts to build new stadiums in markets such as Tampa Bay. Adding new teams enables not only growth in fan markets but also demands the reassessment of divisional alignments to make scheduling and competition more efficient[3].
Fan Reactions
Despite the potential positives, the idea of realignment and dismantling traditional league structures has met mixed reactions from hardcore baseball fans who cherish MLB’s history[2].
What’s Next?
MLB insiders expect announcements about expansion and alignment soon, possibly before Commissioner Manfred’s contract ends in 2026, making this one of the most transformative eras in baseball history.
Why It Matters:
- Fans: Could mean new teams and rivalries in fresh cities.
- Players: Less travel, improved health conditions.
- Broadcasters: Better prime-time TV windows and viewer engagement.