In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the focus is shifting towards expanding the number of teams from the current 30 to 32. This desire for expansion has been present since 1998, when the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Rays joined the league. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas, Commissioner Rob Manfred is eager to move forward with expansion plans. While he will remain in his role until 2029, his goal is to finalize these plans before his tenure ends. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the league views the addition of two teams as an unavoidable outcome. B/R Walk-Off shared Passan’s insight, stating that Nashville and Salt Lake City are being considered as potential candidates for expansion. Both cities have already made concrete plans to accommodate an MLB team. It is important to note that the expansion process cannot begin until the stadium situations for the Athletics and the Rays are resolved. However, with the A’s planning to move to Vegas by 2028 and the Rays announcing the construction of a new ballpark in St. Petersburg, progress is being made. In Salt Lake City, there is great anticipation for the arrival of a new baseball team. The city has recently presented a well-funded proposal for the construction of a new ballpark, a crucial step in the process of hosting an MLB franchise. Nashville shares a similar situation, with the need to address their ballpark infrastructure before becoming a potential home for a team. While other cities like Portland, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Orlando have also been mentioned as potential candidates, it appears that Nashville and Salt Lake City are currently leading the race for expansion. © 2023
According to the Source thecoldwire.com