MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Discusses Future Changes
Rob Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, has implemented several changes and is considering more before his retirement in January 2029. At 67, he aims to see two expansion teams added before his tenure ends, as MLB has not expanded since 1997.
Manfred shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent interview with WFAN in New York, stating, “In many cities with Major League Baseball, there’s a demand for the product, and we need to figure out how to meet that demand.” He believes that expansion would benefit the league.
From a logistical perspective, he mentioned the potential for geographical realignment, which could help ease travel burdens on players. Currently, players undergo an intense schedule with 162 games in just 186 days. He indicated that this could enhance player health and safety.
Besides expansion, there is a notion to adopt a format similar to the NBA or NHL, with conference-based play. “If we realign geographically, we could see a World Series representative from both the East and the West,” he noted. This change could also address concerns about late-night games, transforming them into prime-time slots on the West Coast.
Additionally, Manfred mentioned that if the league grows to 32 teams, it might mimic the NFL’s layout of four teams per division—though he emphasized maintaining separate districts for teams in shared cities, like the Yankees and Mets in New York.
Looking ahead, he discussed the possibility of schedule changes, such as a split season or even in-season tournaments. While he acknowledged that the lengthy schedule can be grueling, he is cautious about any implications for reducing the number of regular-season games.
Reaction among baseball fans has been mixed; some traditionalists resist the changes, yet increased attendance over the past three seasons suggests positive engagement from fans. Interestingly, this trend marks the first consistent growth in attendance since between 2004 and 2007.
Looking to the future, an automatic ball and strike system is set to be implemented in 2026. Each team will get two challenges at the start of the game, with the opportunity to keep a challenge if it’s successful. Only pitchers, catchers, and batters can initiate challenges right away.
Manfred’s focus on speeding up play has significantly reduced the average time for a nine-inning game—from three hours and 10 minutes to two hours and 36 minutes—showing a commitment to enhancing the viewing experience. Furthermore, the Athletics are expected to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028, marking a significant change since the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals prior to the 2005 season.
