The landscape of Major League Baseball could be getting a major facelift. After more than two decades with 30 clubs, the league is seriously considering adding two new franchises, aiming to bring the total to 32. This isn't just fan speculation—it's a priority from the top, with Commissioner Rob Manfred publicly championing the move to put America's pastime in more markets.
The Commissioner's Vision for Growth
Rob Manfred has made his ambitions clear. "I would like to expand. Think 32 would be a good number for us," Manfred stated recently. He framed it as a simple business principle: "When people want your product, you oughta try to find a way to sell it to them." This signals a proactive shift from the league office, moving expansion from a distant possibility to an active item on the agenda for the late 2020s.
Mad Dog Makes His Call
Where will these new teams call home? Sports radio legend Chris "Mad Dog" Russo has thrown his prediction into the ring. During an appearance on 440 Sports, Russo forecast that before Manfred's expected departure in 2029, the league will announce two new franchises. "I think Salt Lake City and Nashville will be the two teams," Russo declared confidently.
These cities are not alone in the conversation, however. The expansion derby includes several other serious contenders vying for a big-league spot. Markets like Portland, Oregon; Raleigh, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas, are all in the mix, each offering unique demographics and passionate fan bases that MLB would love to tap into.
A Potential League-Wide Shakeup
Expansion could come with an even bigger change: a complete geographical realignment of the leagues. Manfred has openly discussed restructuring divisions to group teams by region, similar to other major sports. This isn't just about maps; it's about fixing playoff scheduling headaches.
"You get Boston versus Anaheim in one of the early rounds," Manfred explained, highlighting a common issue. "So you're either going to be too late for the fans in Boston or too early." A geographic realignment would aim to create more natural, time-zone-friendly postseason matchups, making a 10 PM Eastern start a primetime slot for a West Coast showdown. He added that the league would likely try to keep existing two-team cities in separate leagues or divisions.
What This Means for Baseball's Future
The addition of two teams would mark the first expansion since 1998, ending a long period of stability. It represents a significant bet on baseball's continued growth and its ability to thrive in new markets. For fans in candidate cities, it's the dream of finally landing a major league club. For existing fans, it promises new rivalries, a fresh playoff structure, and more national intrigue.
While nothing is set in stone, the momentum is undeniable. With the commissioner's endorsement and high-profile predictions gaining traction, the odds are increasing that Major League Baseball will welcome two new members before the decade is out. The final decision on locations and the accompanying league restructuring will be one of the defining stories of the sport's next chapter.
