MLB Eyes 32 Teams: A Geographic Revolution

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated a strong interest in expanding the league to 32 teams, a goal he hopes to achieve before his term concludes in January 2029. This potential expansion would enable a more logical structural realignment, moving away from the current American and National League setup towards divisions based on East and West geography. Such a shift is anticipated to greatly alleviate the considerable travel demands placed upon MLB players throughout the grueling 162-game season.

Manfred highlighted that a 32-team structure would create 16 teams per league and eight divisions of four, optimizing scheduling and format. The proposed geographic alignment could also address logistical challenges with early-round playoff games, which can be inconvenient for fans on opposite coasts. This move reflects a broader trend in sports toward more geographically sensible league structures, potentially benefiting both players and fans alike.

While the commissioner aims to implement these changes, significant considerations remain, including the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations next offseason. Furthermore, Manfred has previously stated that expansion discussions will not progress until the stadium situations for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are resolved, adding further steps before any concrete decisions are made.