(07-15-2025 06:03 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  As cash hungry as MLB is, I could see them giving the impression that they are only adding 2 teams, only to decide to take more and pocket the expansion fees.

MLB has a lot on their plate - a potential labor stoppage; new stadiums for the Athletics, Rays, White Sox, and possibly others; and a very challenging media rights landscape.

I think if MLB can get past those, 32 will happen. I actually think Portland and Utah should happen at the same time, then come back for an eastern expansion, or vice versa. Portland and Utah seem to be the farthest along in terms of ownership groups, stadium site, and public subsidies. There are some logistical advantages to having an even number of teams in the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones, especially with regards to MLB's relationship with MiLB.

The more interesting question might be would MLB expand to Orlando if the Rays stay in Tampa Bay? The Orlando market is becoming quite large in its own right.

NL West: Portland*, LA Dodgers, San Francisco, San Diego, Arizona, Colorado
NL Central: Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, Saint Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Austin*
NL East: Atlanta, Miami, New York Mets, Washington, Philadelphia, (Montreal/Orlando)*

AL West: Seattle, LA Angels, Las Vegas, Utah*, Houston, Texas
AL Central: Kansas City, Minnesota, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland, Detroit, Nashville*
AL East: (Charlotte/Raleigh)*, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Boston, New York Yankees, Toronto