Major League Baseball’s Potential Realignment
There’s a chance that Major League Baseball (MLB) might undergo a realignment, but the Subway Series doesn’t seem like it will become a notable event in that new setup.
Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed a potential geographic reorganization of MLB’s divisions during a recent appearance on WFAN’s “Craig Carton Show.” He explained how this concept might unfold and what it could mean.
Manfred’s remarks imply that cities with multiple teams, like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, wouldn’t necessarily be clustered together under this updated framework.
The current MLB setup consists of both the American and National Leagues, which are divided into three divisions, each featuring five teams.
Back in August, Manfred sparked conversations with a suggestion for a powerhouse East Coast division that would include the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies. This idea, while intriguing to some, faced considerable pushback. Notably, Howie Rhodes, the voice of Mets radio, criticized it as a potential threat to the traditions that have historically defined baseball.
During his WFAN discussion, Manfred, who turns 68 soon, confirmed he plans to retire when his contract ends in January 2029. He reiterated his hope to introduce two new teams before stepping down, mentioning cities like Nashville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Orlando, Salt Lake City, Portland, and Austin as possible candidates for expansion.
“We’re aiming to increase the total number of teams to 32,” Manfred remarked. He emphasized the need for MLB to meet the demand in various cities, noting, “If people want your product, you have to find a way to provide it.”
He also highlighted how realigning along geographic lines could lessen travel burdens on players. With the current schedule asking players to compete 162 times over 186 days, reducing travel would undoubtedly help with their health and safety.
Manfred suggested that a revised structure might even enhance postseason benefits. He noted that if divisions were geographically rearranged, it could change how the World Series is scheduled, making games more accessible for fans and broadcasters alike.
However, he also pointed out that the league is considering other significant scheduling changes. One possibility involves shortening the regular season, which is currently set at 162 games.
Additionally, there’s been talk about introducing in-season tournaments, akin to what the NBA has done recently. Manfred mentioned, “We’ve discussed split seasons and in-season tournaments” but acknowledged that implementing such events might require a reduction in the number of regular-season games.
