Before you lose your minds this is just a thought experiment. I understand that pro baseball has a much longer tradition than football. We know that teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Cubs hold much greater interest in MLB. However, what would happen if the teams in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles/Orange county suddenly found themselves in the other league.

It used to be that the American and National leagues had different rules when it came to batting. Now the rule is uniform across both. Add to that the fact that both are at odd numbers, which obligates interleague play, and the only things left to separate them are the long-standing rivalries that would be difficult to suspend.

To start, this is what the alignment would look like if the switch happened:

NL West

Giants
Angels
Padres
Diamondbacks
Rockies

NL Central

White Sox
Brewers
Cardinals
Reds
Pirates

NL East

Yankees
Phillies
Marlins
Braves
Nationals


AL West

Mariners
A's
Dodgers
Astros
Rangers

AL Central

Cubs
Twins
Royals
Guardians
Tigers

AL East

Mets
Red Sox
Blue Jays
Orioles
Rays


Already, Cubs-Cardinals, Yankees-Red Sox, Dodgers-Giants, even other rivalries like Braves-Mets, would be huge casualties. But what would be the other consequences if this were to happen:


- I think the AL West would gain a lot switching out the Angels for the Dodgers but the NL West, with the Giants and Padres, and keeping a presence in parts of Los Angeles county, might be much more competitive. The A's moving to Vegas eases further pressure on the Giants. The Angels wouldn't be nearly the threat the Dodgers are.

- Yankees losing the Red Sox, apart from interleague play, would be huge but I think the Yanks and Phillies could create a good rivalry, as well as the Braves and Yanks, over time. The Yankees are such a force in sports that they'll make any division interesting.

- While not as popular as the Yankees, the Mets have a large and dedicated fans and would help fill up the hole left by the Yankees in the AL. Mets fans travel everywhere.

- The Midwest would be where the impact be the strongest. The White Sox just don't approach the Cubs in terms of popularity. Certainly, the Brewers and Cardinals would feel the most impact. Would both try to petition for a league switch if the Cubs were to switch?


If this were a baseball trade it would be like trading a star outfielder and two utility players for a star pitcher and two very good position players. The Yankees joining the NL doesn't completely cover the White Sox and Angels going with them. Meanwhile, the Mets, Dodgers and Cubs are three very popular clubs that would enhance the interest in the AL.

Note: I'm not advocating any radical realignment right now.