MLB Commissioner Proposes Geographical League Reorganization

Rob Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, has hinted at the potential dissolution of leagues based on geography and reorganization of teams throughout the United States. He shared these thoughts during an ESPN broadcast, which featured games between the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets in front of Little League players in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“If we expand, it could allow for a geographical reorganization, which—well, I think it might alleviate some of the travel strain on players,” Manfred said. “Moreover, a postseason structure that spans from the West Coast to the East could be more appealing for networks like ESPN. The late evening time slot in Anaheim, for example, could actually present a genuine opportunity for our West Coast audience.”

He believes that the demand for Major League Baseball is strong in various cities, and he sees an opportunity to capitalize on this in a positive way.

Manfred hopes to identify two new teams by 2029, with Nashville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City being potential candidates for expansion.

It’s worth noting that the concept of reorganizing leagues isn’t widely discussed among baseball enthusiasts. The National League has a history dating back to 1876, while the American League was established in 1901, which adds a certain depth to the sport’s evolution.

What a reorganization might actually entail remains uncertain. The idea was originally proposed in May 2023 by Jim Borden, a former MLB general manager. He suggested that MLB could transition to an “East and Western Conference format with four divisions arranged geographically, consisting of four teams each,” totaling 16 teams per conference.

The Eastern Conference could include teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies, while other divisions might feature teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, and Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays would also play a role.

In the Western Conference, potential division formations might include the Midwest division with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins. The Southwest division could comprise Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers.

So, there you have it. The landscape of Major League Baseball could be changing, and while the ideas are still somewhat vague, the conversations have certainly sparked interest among fans and teams alike.