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Home / Sports / MLB Expansion and Realignment Proposal Shakes Up Leagues

MLB Expansion and Realignment Proposal Shakes Up Leagues

Summary

  • MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred discusses potential expansion and realignment
  • Proposal would eliminate American and National Leagues, create East and West divisions
  • Manfred cites benefits of reduced player travel and more appealing postseason format
MLB Expansion and Realignment Proposal Shakes Up Leagues

According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the league is considering a major expansion and realignment proposal that would dramatically reshape the sport's structure. Speaking at the recent Little League Classic event, Manfred revealed that the owners are exploring the possibility of adding new teams and reorganizing the leagues.

The key elements of Manfred's proposal include eliminating the current American and National League system in favor of an East-West division format, similar to the NBA and NHL. This would allow for reduced travel for players and a more appealing postseason, with teams from the same geographic region facing off. Manfred believes the expansion process could provide the perfect opportunity to implement this realignment.

Manfred noted that MLB has not expanded since 1998, when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays joined the league. Since then, there have been some realignment efforts, such as the Milwaukee Brewers moving to the National League in 2013 and the Houston Astros switching to the American League in 1998. However, the commissioner's current proposal represents a much more drastic overhaul of the league's structure.

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If implemented, this change would have a significant impact on long-standing rivalries, as teams from different regions would no longer face each other as frequently. For example, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals would go their separate ways, but they would play the New York Yankees more often.

As MLB prepares for labor negotiations ahead of the 2027 season, Manfred's expansion and realignment proposal is sure to be a topic of intense discussion between the league and the players' union. The potential impact on the salary cap and other key issues will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

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FAQ

The MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, is proposing a major expansion and realignment of the league that would eliminate the current American and National League system in favor of an East-West division format.
The proposed realignment would significantly impact long-standing rivalries, as teams from different regions would no longer face each other as frequently. For example, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals would go their separate ways, but they would play the New York Yankees more often.
According to Manfred, the proposed changes would reduce player travel and create a more appealing postseason format, with teams from the same geographic region facing off against each other.

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