Yes Charlotte as it is top 5 growing cities in the country. Raleigh would just be horrible as it put it as far from the bulk of the Carolinas as possible. I hate that the hockey team is in Raleigh because I never go. It’s too far and I guarantee most people from South Carolina wouldn’t go to Raleigh for a hockey game either so Charlotte is a much better location and has the population to support
@@3up3down Yes, and it appears the various governmental authorities are progressively hostile. Bronfman was honest in a recent interview that the dismissal of the ill-fated Rays shared-city plan badly set back Montréal's chances. Expansion teams are too expensive.
@@thomasjoseph3488 they really are expensive. I liked the shared city plan. Unfortunately, it looks like it may have been used by the Rays to get a new stadium
Your realignment is spot on. Some of the realignment proposals I’ve seen floated around are absolutely impractical. We’ve been down this road before in the past - the more boring, least disruptive realignment will win out. The Central divisions end up becoming the North, while the South divisions are created with outcasts. AL East, AL North, NL North, and NL West make the most sense to me. Rays, Royals, Pirates, and Rockies are clearly the odd ducks, being the newest to their divisions and the furthest geographically from their neighbors. I really do like returning the Pirates to the East, where they used to play, and gain playing against their inner-state rival Phillies. I agree that if Texas gets a team you can’t have all three Texas teams in one division - it would be a marketing and broadcasting failure. And I like your idea of flipping the Rays and Rockies, as they are then closer to other like teams (Rockies and Royals, Rays and Marlins and Braves). I think maybe the Braves complain the most with the new realignment, but hey, they were in the out-of-place NL West for 27 years… hopefully geography wins out here.
I appreciate it. I really hope geography wins out too. I think it makes the most sense for baseball and really promotes those division rivalries baseball is known for. I found the NL Central to be a challenge to deal with. It may be the best current division in terms of geography. I appreciate you saw that connection getting the Pirates back to the NL East with the Phillies.
As an Astros fan, I wish they went back to the National League. Winning the World Series was great, but at the price of turning into the Yankies of the south? Pipe dream though.
Interestingly, Louisville was bigger than both Nashville and Atlanta in 1948. Lack of local leadership and vision have relegated Louisville to second -tier status forever. Congrats in advance, Music City.
@@3up3down College town first and foremost. Wish our old ABA Kentucky Colonels had joined the NBA with the other four teams almost 50 years ago. Wearing my Colonels T-shirt as I type this!
One thing I’d like to see in expansion teams would be at least 1 or 2 extra Canadian Based Clubs. I’d like to see either Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary to get a team.
People are already crying about taxpayer money being used to help with the new arena for the Flames, although it’s only being used for the infrastructure and demolition of the saddledome, they’d never be ok with that happening for an mlb team, though I’d love having an mlb team only 2.5hrs away from me
I don't even follow baseball anymore and I will subscribe simply because of the homework done by the host on this matter...like a high level corporate debriefing. Impressive.
I'll never understand where they get Salt Lake and its population from. It's like the 30 miles north of Salt Lake doesn't exist. Salt Lakes' true population within about a 45-minute radius is 2.8 million people.
@@dcjohnson7615 I think it comes from what they do with other mlb cities. Others have the population closer in. I'm no expert, but feel like Salt Lake has the population close enough to it. Especially if they really market to the whole state.
@@3up3downjust a tip you want to use “combined statistical area”. You can do a quick google search and find the Wikipedia article showing the list. It will also show why it’s a much better method to determine population. Metro areas are terrible statistic because they can be massive or pretty small. The wasatch front in Utah is one big city of close to 3 million but two metro areas. They used to be one but randomly decided to split them about 29 years ago. So CSA is the statistic you want.
@@3up3downSLC, and Utah in general is uniquely situated where 90% of the population of the state is within 1hr of the capital. Moreover all the major cities (Ogden, SLC, Provo) are connected on a state run rail corridor called the Frontrunner that’s getting a lot of funding for expanded service for the Olympics in 2034, which fits nicely into your expansion timing. Basically, Utah’s population is lower but very compact and connected. It would be relatively easy for most of the population to see several games a year.
@@N7277 I knew about the proximity to the other cities. I did not know about the funding for the rail corridor. That would certainly help out and fit the time frame. Thank you so much for the information and comment!
Like to see the two relocated teams, such as: Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas Nevada, and either Tampa Bay Rays or Miami Marlins will move to Salt Lake City Utah, since Utah will be the fastest growing state into 2030.
I don't think Kansas City will move for stadium issues. I've followed that issue and it looks like they have plenty of opportunities for a new stadium outside of their preferred location (which involves razing a thriving arts and entertainment district). They want a view of the downtown skyline which is the new, hip thing but in the grand scheme is unimportant if they are only competitive for a couple years every 30 years. If anything, they will exit the Kansas City market to drive ticket sales from a new fanbase, not for facilities.
@@AlterverseX thanks for the insight. I'd say competitive more every 10 years. They are a smaller market that has struggled with sustained success. I've heard a possible move across the state may be possible, but I'm thinking they get this done in KC
Interesting. I believe MLB will go with the 4 divisions in each league and have 6 teams make the playoffs in each league. I believe Nashville will get one of the expansion teams and the other will be out west. I would love to see San Antonio get it but I think Salt Lake City will get the nod.
I appreciate the comment. I think the 4 divisions in each is the likely outcome. I do enjoy the set up with 2 divisions in each, but in the end it probably is not the way it goes
This video is perfect. This is exactly what I think it will look like. You have the same realignment idea that I had and the same candidates. I think it is pretty accurate and you even said some info I didn't knew. Great video!
@@3up3down Utah could really capitalize on new fans excitement if they made that move. The Jazz is a big pillar there and I know they’re so ready for their NHL team. A MLB team would set them for life in the sports market and beyond. I hadn’t thought much about Nashville but seeing your video you made some great points.
I'd like to see Utah/Salt Lake city. Utah is getting the former Arizona hockey team and has an NBA franchise. It's also a fast-growing and young city/state, which is prime territory for expansion. They would have a natural rivalry with Colorado as well as Las Vegas, and a stadium in that region would rival Coors in natural beauty.
I completely agree with the chance to build a beautiful stadium and the rivalries. They certainly seem to have a motivated ownership group or groups as well as the city desiring the opportunity. Salt Lake feels like a great location.
6 teams by 2040 makes 36 total. Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, and (choose one) Oklahoma City, Memphis, New Orleans or Vancouver.
The MLB has had 30 teams since the 1998 season. I think an extra two teams will be good! Especially one in Charlotte (where the nearest team is the Atlanta Braves - plus the Carolinas have teams for all of the other "Big Four" leagues). And I'd do something similar to how the NFL works (that league has had 32 teams since the 2002-2003 season).
Nice video detailing possible expansion. As a Mariners fan, it would be nice to see a western team as one of the 2 new teams because they travel the most out of any MLB team. Portland would be a great rival but I think Mariners ownership doesn’t want a team there cause it would take away the Oregon market for them. I do like SLC as an option too if Portland doesn’t work out. Also the images you had up while discussing SLC wasn’t anything remotely looking like the state of Utah or SLC area. That looked like Cincinnati & some Asian metro area.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. That is the trouble with expansion and trying to create rivalries between cities close together. Teams enjoy the benefit that come from the rivalry, but don't want to give up their television and fan rights. I do apologize if they are incorrect images. They came up for Salt Lake city in search results and I have never been to confirm the images.
Good video! I feel like a city you didn't mention is the city of Oakland. Despite the team leaving, many want the city to have a baseball team (both the city and execs alike), and would likely thrive under new onwership.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the comment and think you are right. It's likely going to take a few years once the A's are gone for us to truly see the potential in Oakland. The issue would be to find an ownership group that can get a stadium deal done with the city. I do think you are rightbthat baseball still needs to consider it. The NHL is doing that with Arizona
@@3up3down True, the owner of the Warriors (Lacob) has expressed interest when the A's were on the market in 2010, and I think he's open to bidding for another one for Oakland, but I'm not sure :)
Great analysis. I think Salt Lake is the front runner over Portland in the west with a shovel ready location tied to a six block development. Plus they have the 900 million plus the 3 billion from LHM group ready to go. But why is all the video for Salt lake other random cities?🤣
Thank you very much. I agree that Salt Lake has really prepared itself to be a top candidate. As for the clips, they were all labeled as Salt Lake City, my apologies that they are not.
Your alignment is exactly what I think would happen. Colorado & Tampa are going to have to flip leagues. Colorado being with KC and the Texas teams makes a nice tight little Mid-South division, and Tampa being with other geographically southeast teams works out perfectly as well.
San Antonio is an aging city. While baseball fans tend to skew older, I don't see them as a longstanding baseball team given that MLB is the odd duck of the big four. A big reason why I prefer the A's to stay in Sacramento or move to Utah is due to the fact that I don't see Las Vegas as fitting locally as a baseball city. The NFL was perfect for it due to the short season and the other sports are just objectively faster paced than baseball. A tourist is probably not going to visit Vegas for an MLB season. I just want Portland to have a team so the Mariners won't be in this Rockies situation where you kinda have to root for them if you're even remotely local.
I'm wondering if Las Vegas will be a baseball town or not. I have a hard time believing it will be. Although I thought the same thing about hockey and that has worked well. I feel like Austin would be the favorite over San Antonio, but money talks and we may find out what owners and city want it more if it comes to that.
@@3up3down Yeah, again I think most of the income will come from secondary and tertiary sources if the A's last in Vegas I think Fisher grossly overestimates the tourism. Not because Vegas isn't a gold mine it is, but only a baseball tourist would be drawn to them and they are not the norm. Austin is more viable than San Antonio but I have heard there's no real place to build there and both Houston and Arlington are close to Austin. It's like a stop gap between the two from my cursory glance.
@@BoondockBrony the issue for Las Vegas is its also not an expansion team. People can see it right now and if management keeps trading away pieces and stripping it down no one will come watch. Sure they'll come for a few years with a new park and experience, but it won't last. I know Texas is huge and growing, but something about 3 teams feels a little much right now
@@3up3down I like the idea of San Antonio... But, they can't get a steady flow for the Missions... If you put a third team in Texas... Austin and San Antonio are first in line... But, I'd like to see pro sports in El Paso... Though that won't happen... It would put them far enough away they can grow a fan base...
As someone that has grown up in Tennessee, I believe you will have to make a Nashville team a part of the American league. Most of Tennessee is covered in Braves or Cardinals fans, and the only way that you could pull allegiance from those teams as if they were part of a separate league.
I really hope Portland gets an MLB expansion team! I have lived in Oregon for almost 23 years. But, I lived west of Seattle for 14 1/2 years beforehand. All of my sports loyalties are still in Washington state: the Washington Huskies; Seattle Seahawks; Seattle Supersonics/Sonics; Seattle Kraken; Seattle Sounders; Seattle Mariners. I would love to see the Mariners have a closer opponent San Francisco or Las Vegas!!!
It sure looks like they will get Las Vegas. I know the group is Portland is well organized and prepared to make a big push. Given you know the area, is there a lot of fan interest? Is there a great site for a stadium?
The Mariner ownership has been fighting against expansion in Portland and Vancouver BC. Fear of drawing fans away from Seattle. I see Miami moving North because of lack of significant attendance.
@@peopleskarmasquad1042 it makes sense why they are. When it comes to expansion I think every location will have this issue. In the end the high expansion fee will help owners get over it
Portland does NOT deserve to have an MLB team AT ALL. Oregon doesn’t deserve any Semi Pro or Pro Team of any kind. It is bad enough there is an MLS & NBA team there.
Great video, but I wonder if you have the driver misplaced? The best financing will drive expansion and subsequent realignment. Realignment will be the derivative.
The only issue I really see with Charlotte is the Braves, Nationals and possibly the Orioles claiming that area for their fanbases. I'm not sure MLB would want one of their new franchises to pay a territory fee.
I could see that being an issue. I do think if MLB wants to really realign in terms of geography then Charlotte makes a lot of sense. I know the Orioles and Nationals really fought over tv area rights when the Nationals moved in. Ideally MLB could work with the teams to broker a deal over area rights before the announcement of expansion.
@@ATCguy1973 I would favor Nashville as well over Charlotte. I just think Charlotte has the possibility of a strong ownership group in a solid sports locale.
@@3up3down yes I agree. But a Nashville franchise will have a better chance to compete financially right away like the owners would like. Charlotte would take a few years to compete much to the commissioner's chagrin. It doesn't work that way for expansion franchises anymore. Look at Vegas and Seattle for the NHL. That's the new direction for new franchises in the major 4 sports.
@@ATCguy1973 I think the ability to be competitive early on will be very much tied to how an expansion draft is carried out. The number of protected players would greatly effect this. Also Seattle and Vegas came in on their own. If MLB were to expand by 2 I think it would be 2 teams at the same time (they have typically done this). That would change any expansion draft scenario. PLus MLB does not allow the trading of draft picks. The NHL teams really used that to their advantage.
No chance of a complete mixing up of teams? I am in the Northeast and many want the Yankees/Mets/Red Sox and Phillies in one division. Nobody in our area cares about a rivalry with Toronto (No offense)
I'm not against it (as a Jays fan I'd love to get away from the Yankees/Red Sox). It would effect attendance as smaller teams really rely on the dollars of travelling fans from the big market teams (think Yankees fans at Rays games). I know there is no longer the DH, but some may like to keep the tradition of teams alive and connected to the American and National leagues. I think it could work in the Northeast as it keeps rivalries together (Yankees/Red Sox, etc), but the West Coast might be odd as it may split teams like Giants/Dodgers that are also a huge part of the game if we go strictly geography. I appreciate the comment as it is certainly an interesting idea
Isn't Louisiana hot in the summer? Of course that doesn't stop Las Vegas from getting a major league team? This summer is going to be hot! But I'm not trading heat for 8 months of snow every year! 40 below keeps out all the riff raff! I have a question for the Canadian viewers. What city in Canada has a market the size of Pittsburgh or Kansas City? Not to argue, but not every city can be New York. Unfortunately with teeny tiny towns like Kansas City, packing a park takes some doing! Maybe this really is the new golden age of baseball post expansion.
@@DanielQuakenbush that's why a roof on a stadium works. Phoenix makes it work. As for Canada, at this time the only 2 that have the population would be Montreal and Vancouver. We know the history of Montreal. Vancouver has never really seen a push for a team
I would do 2 divisions in each league, with Milwaukee and Houston moving back to their old leagues. The top 2 teams in each division, as well as the next two best teams in each league, would make the playoffs. The division winners would get a first round bye, and the second place finishers would play the other two teams in the wild card round.
Growing up in the PNW PACIFIC NORTHWEST it was a dream to have baseball in Portland and the revenue coming in from the Seattle games playing each other but if politicians are holding this back what needs to happen is getting a owner that can take control and get things done however i don't let them try to put the stadium at the old red tail golf course when in fact if you go buy the the old industrial area or i do believe its pier 49 or pier 56 i cant remember off hand but that's more logical and better for commuting then being so far from all local transportation systems my other suggestion is to move Arizona to the AL west and then move the A's to the NL west so it makes balance travel
@@wrongfullyRight4Jesus I really hope that the Portland area can organize enough to get a team. It would create a great rivalry. Thanks for the insights on the potential areas for a new stadium. I'm just ready to see some geographical balance in the divisions
Well Nashville is basically a lock lol but the 2 most likely to be the 2nd city are Salt Lake City and one of Austin/San Antonio. San Antonio is going to be hard to turn down with its 3 million Metro Area and only 1 other Professional team in the Spurs. I’d be happy with either one but would prefer Salt Lake…
I'd prefer Salt Lake as well, but we will see. I think they have ownership around that is highly motivated. I'm not as sure of that with the Texas cities
I don't see how the MLB will IGNORE South Central Texas, either San Antonio or Austin. These two large metros are 70 miles apart, even the US Census Bureau will most likely combined the two metros into one soon. Both metros have a combined population of SIX million already, growing quickly... SIX million is TWICE the size of the others you rewarded a MLB franchise... Twice Portland, Salt Lake City, Nashville, and Charlotte... When Texas surpasses California in population within the next two decades, Texas should have as many MLB teams as California, presently with five... Three isn't too many!
I'm not suggesting 3 is too many. It does come with territory issues though. The Rangers and Astros will have some say. Plus TV rights could be a real factor here. The area and population can absolutely support more. It just brings complications that Utah doesn't. I have openly supported expansion to Austin in previous videos and do prefer it over many others. I was just trying to show who is best prepared and what it could look like at this time. Not trying to leave anyone out
@@geraldlogue7620 I don't mind it at all. I'm betting the Dbacks would like to stick with the Dodgers and Padres. Those teams travel well to Phoenix. Appreciate the idea!
My top choices are somewhere in North Carolina, probably Charlotte, but Raleigh is also fine, and Portland to connect Seattle to the rest of the league. Otherwise, I wouldn't hate putting Montreal back in as the Expos.
Also worth noting, I don't think that they'd stop at just 2 more teams. I could very easily see a route to a 40 team MLB. In that scenario, Charlotte, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Montreal, and Portland are all easily in place. Another 5 teams would be in order, which is how you could get San Antonio in. The last 4 become difficult to figure out for me.
@@blueredlover1060 it'll depend a lot on the grassroots level and development of players. Needing pitchers for 40 teams with the injuries currently happening would be a nightmare. I'd love expansion to all, but only with stability for all.
@@3up3down I agree with the injury stuff, but I think we're going to end up going through another philosophy change with pitchers soon. We're going to have to go through one. We know that the upper 90s aren't sustainable, so it may come down to lowering the speed a bit and having greater command. We may even see the return of the knuckleballer.
@@blueredlover1060 it'll have to make its way all the way down to kids and those coaches. Given the value of contracts and scholarships it'll be tough to change without some sort of rule change. Way too many kids are being taught to max out way too often way too young
As a Braves fan, seeing the Braves leave the NL East would be strange. The Braves/Mets/Phillies rivalry is too strong to break up. I get geography is the goal, but maybe MLB would treat the NL East the same way the NFL treats the NFC East(letting the Cowboys be in a division based in the northeast).
In some ways I think any realignment will feel strange, but necessary. Given the Braves were in the NL West from 1969 to 1994 I think this change would make sense.
Here is my proposal that I think would work out AL East: Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles NL East: Mets, Phillies, Pirates, Nationals AL West: Angels, Mariners, A’s, SLC Expansion NL West: Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Dbacks AL South: Rangers, Astros, Rays, Royals NL South: Braves, Marlins, Reds, Nashville Expansion AL North: Tigers, White Sox, Twins, Guardians NL North: Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Rockies. It limits the amount of travel for the most part while still keeping the existing teams in the same leagues, some of these could be interchangeable, like maybe having KC in the north and Cleveland in the South, or moving the Nats to the south and bringing a Montreal Expansion to the north.
I certainly think it would support an MLB team. Would New Orleans have enough big business for sponsors and a potential ownership group? I know the Saints are well supported. I just don't know the area well enough and have not heard anything about a possible team there.
4 divisions in each league makes the most sense, but I really don’t like the idea that the playoffs would consist of only division winners considering some divisions are much weaker. For example the AL East had 3 playoffs teams last year and with this new set up theres no opportunity for a wild card race. I think if they had divisions but made winning them meaningless then it would be more interesting come playoff time. The best teams should be competing in the playoffs, not some team that finished .500 but won their 4 team division
I think with 4 divisions per league you have the 4 winners plus 2 wild card. You still make having the best record important as the top 2 division winners get byes. Then the other 2 play the 2 wild cards exclusively at their park. It actually takes away the current wild card versus wild card series we currently have
@3up3down Clearly u don't know the struggles that city has. Who's going to pay for a retractable roof? I bet that's about 250 million on top of the cost to build the ballpark
@@Scottie4twenty I'm aware of the struggles. There are changes starting to be made and a lot can change in 5 years. Plus the right owner can fund a lot of a new stadium on their own
I know this will NEVER happen, but the quality of talent is already watered down. On most teams there are 1 or 2 guys who really belong in AAA. Adding 2 teams will make the quality of MLB teams even worse. Then when you figure in the attendance figures, you could easily come to the conclusion that instead of Expanding by 2 teans, they really should be contracting 2 teams. The Oakland A's should be contracted out of existence (my opinion) instead of moving to Sacramento>Las Vegas. There also doesn't need to be 2 teams in Florida. Neither one gets good attendance. My solution would be to have 1 Team in Orlando in a really fancy new domed stadium close to Disney. That 1 Florida team, centrally located and by Disney would surely do better attendance wise. Of course we all know that will never happen. Manfred will pursue the 2 new markets and the talent pool will be watered down even further, adding 52 more AAA players. Rays and Marlins attendance will never be good, and the Vegas experiment won't work out as hoped either. Just wait and see. As far as expansion, I believe they would go with 4 divisions of 4 teams each in both league. The 4 divisional champion, plus 2 wild cards in each league.
I know contraction has been talked about in the past, but yes it's highly unlikely. I agree with you that each team has at least 1 to 2 guys on their roster in AAA. I would argue there are at least 1 to 2 on every AAA roster that should be I the majors, but aren't due to playing and service time. I think with mlb trending younger there will still be quality talent for another 2 teams. Oakland moving should help. I seriously still question Tampa and like them to go to Orlando. Thanks for the thoughts and comment!
There have been rumors that the Chicago White Sox may relocate out of Chicago and out of Illinois entirely. Some suggestions were that the team may relocate to either Nashville or Charlotte. As for expansions, Vancouver, Portland, Sacramento, Montréal, Charlotte, and Nashville if there isn't another relocation.
@@panowa8319 I've heard those rumors. I wonder what will happen. I feel right now it's a situation like what happened with Arizona and Milwaukee and others. They are trying to get every dollar they can out of government. The difference is the current stadium is not that old and it feels like Chicago is tired of the shake down from its pro teams
Hopefully the Milwaukee Brewers can move back to the American League. Would be nice watching them actually play our rivals White Sox's, Twins, Tigers, Indians, and the Royals.
I agree that eight divisions is a subtle and smart tag-along way of expanding the lucrative playoffs with the two teams. Expanded playoffs mitigates (but does not solve) MLB's systemic financial inequities.
@@3up3down Me, too, but the eight segments make another playoff expansion easy and the money is too tempting. It does help the low-income teams "just get in," broadening the possible WS winner pools.
I hope that it's San Antonio and either Charlotte or Portland. Oklahoma City is another sleeper you forgot to mention. They're doing well with an NBA team.
I think San Antonio is possible. To my knowledge there is no ownership group really set up. Same with Oklahoma city, although maybe the minor league owners in these cities could step up. I've talked about them in previous videos. They are contenders, but just not as far along in the process as others
@@3up3downAustin is also another possibility. It's the fastest growing city in America. The population here has almost tripled since I first moved here back in the 90's.
@@dustinrobertson5416 would it be a place that would embrace baseball? I like the idea. Others say it's more of a soccer city. I always appreciate the perspective of those in the area.
@@3up3down Do you really think there isn't a Texas billionaire willing to buy a MLB expansion franchise for South Central Texas? The ownership of the Spurs IS interested in buying a MLB team although I am sure others will come forward. A downtown location on the Riverwalk has already been sited for a new baseball stadium for AAA ball, which can be easily upgraded to MLB...
@@ronclark9724 I'm not suggesting there isn't one. Assuming there is (and that is likely) they just aren't making the same amount as noise as other groups. A Texas team could come with issues over territory with the Rangers and Astros. Obviously these could be worked out, but Utah wouldn't have those complications
I wud add 6 teams 3AL and 3NL. One team per division. One AL and one NL every two years. AL WEST PORTLAND LUMBERJAX, AL CENTRAL LOUISVILLE STALLIONS, AL EAST CAROLINA COPPERHEADS. NL-WEST UTAH SWARM, NL CENTRAL NASHVILLE STARS, NL EAST MONTREAL EXPOS.
Option B... VANCOUVER VOYAGERS AL WEST, OKC OUTLAWS AL CENTRAL, KENTUCKY COLONELS AL CENTRAL AND MOVING PITTSBURGH PIRATES TO AL EAST. UTAH SWARM NL WEST, NASHVILLE STARS NL CENTRAL, CAROLINA COPPERHEADS NL EAST.
I live in central indiana and I would love an mlb ball club in Indianapolis. I know we have a decent AAA team but I would rather have a mlb team so we can see some of baseballs best players in Indiana.
I agree with 814 divisions. I agree with the potential markets. Your alignment however, is flawed. If every team is going to play every team every year, there’s no reason to have American in National League. It will end up being cheaper and easier to have geographically located teams and eliminate the American other than to say, the east would be the American League West would be the National League or vice versa.
I appreciate the opinion. I greatly appreciate the history of baseball and would love to see the tradition of American and National League be kept. I think it does help for playoffs as well so you still have 2 sides. If they want to go entirely geographic I fear the loss of old rivalries. The Dodgers and Giants as an example would likely be seperated. If there is a way to keep the traditional rivalries than it certainly is possible.
Charlotte would be a better choice than Nashville. It’s close enough to the South Carolina border so that it represents both Carolinas. The Charlotte metro area will soon have over 3 million residents, which makes it much larger than about a third of the current major league markets.
I like the thought of Charlotte. As someone mentioned it may have some issues with other teams like Baltimore and Washington claiming the area. That could always be worked out. In certainly has the big businesses to be sponsors
@@3up3down I believe Charlotte is closer to Atlanta. South Carolina is definitely Braves Country. I think all of those teams would make excellent rivals for a Charlotte franchise.
It would be nice to see Montreal get a team back. Have you heard of any possibility that the Omaha area getting a team? Lincoln is just down the road (40 minutes) and does not get counted in the Omaha Metro area population nor does Sioux City or Des Moines. Nebraska has sold out every football season since 1962 and the College World Series does very well with attendance. Additionally, you have Warren Buffett and a host of other big money pockets in the area to include the Rickett's family (Cubs Owners). On the surface it would not appear to be a great expansion but there are other factors that are not glaring. Wondered what your thoughts were or if you had head anything. Thanks.
I did hear a bit about Lincoln at one time, but have not for awhile. I talked about it in a previous video. I think Lincoln would be a terrific location if it can consistently draw people in. Creating a greater connection with the CWS would really help the game. So yes I like it too, but I'll take Montreal first as an Expos fan of years back.
Utah has been the fastest growing state since 2010. The wasatch front has a population of 2.6 million people and quickly growing. They have great support for their nba and mls teams. And will heavily support their nhl team. They have a very young and very healthy population with expendable income. They also have 2 successful big12 teams close to each other. The mlb and nfl would be insane not to move into this market for its potential growth and proven fan support.
Here's how I see it.... If Tampa stays, and Oakland goes to Vegas, expand with 4 new teams. Montreal, Nashville, Vancouver, and Salt Lake City. Montreal and Vancouver will be in the AL and Nashville and SLC in the NL. Move Pittsburgh to the NL North, and move Detroit to the AL North. create divisions as North, Central, East, and West for both leagues. We'd also have to move Houston back to the NL, and move CIN to the NL EAST. This makes the most geographical sense, and keeps most of the best rivalries intact. The worst thing MLB can do is get rid of the AL and NL. I know Manfred wants to destroy the game, but they'll lose tons of fans if they get rid of the leagues. The reason why I have all Canadian teams in the AL is for a few reasons. First, it would maximize the number of times they all play each other a year. This would build rivalries amongst themselves, and other teams in close proximity, such as Vancouver and Seattle. Second, we all know that the Yankees and Red Sox have HUGE fan bases that travel really well. Those teams ALWAYS attract fans to all stadiums when attendance is down, especially for those midweek games. AL North - DET, TOR, MON, CLE AL East-TB, BAL, NYY, BOS AL Central- TEX, MIN, KC, CHI AL West - LAA, LV, VAN, SEA NL North-PHI, NYM, PIT, WSH NL East-ATL, MIA, NSH, CIN NL Central-CHI, HOU, STL, MIL NL West-COL, LAD, SF, SLC
Would love to see Montreal come back, but that's a stretch. San Antonio is a no Brainer if you know how crazy the city is about baseball. Charlotte or Nashville make sense, New Orleans no way. Portland? Sounds like another Oakland to me.
Thanks for the insight. It's not a park I know. I know the Jays made it work at an A ball park in Dunedin during the pandemic. I assumed there would be a way to adjust a AAA park to work in the short term. Long term it would absolutely need a new build.
Expansion would be surprising because I personally don’t know a single person that follows MLB. The shift is so obvious towards other sports and interests that people have today. During the summer months, sports bars are showing more soccer games, the youth are playing more soccer as well. In addition, today’s generation just isn’t focused enough to grind through a 4 hour long baseball game. IMO, social media, cell phones, and video games are what attracts the attention of today’s entertainment seekers. Me personally, I haven’t watched an entire baseball game in 7 years, nor have I watched any games on television in probably 25 years. I assume baseball is still somehow profitable via an incredibly long 162 game marathon, I just don’t understand how. This is a byproduct of not knowing anyone interested in the game itself, nor are there ever any sidebar conversations.
@@mbwell the problem here is you say you haven't watched a game in 7 years. I challenge you to sit down and watch a game in today's age. It is completely different. The days of the 4 hour slog are gone. Attendance is up across the league in nearly every market. As much as the World Series doesn't display it, there is far more parity across the league. In fact no team won 100 games this season. I can appreciate the comment, but it simply is not factual
@@3up3down I under what you are saying. But the logic doesn’t quite amount to much in terms of popularity trends. Two examples back this up clearly. 1. When I was a kid, baseball was king during the summer. In 2024, when talking with co-worker’s and such they always highlighted “soccer practice, camps, games” as the kids focus. 2. I absolutely hear no discussions centered around baseball topics. To summarize this. I personally do not know anyone alive that is interested in MLB. Those that did at one time are DEAD.
@@mbwell that's amazing, as where I am baseball is thriving. Yes soccer is a growing sport and that is great, but so is baseball. More kids are signing up. There is a very popular summer league here for college players that is expanding and setting attendance records. It may just be in pockets, but baseball is doing just fine. Plus it is as big as ever in the global market of Asia and growing in Europe
@@vigotarr I really like that idea. I've talked about it inna previous video. I don't think it happens on the expansion to 32 teams, but if the league goes to 36 some day then I think it's very possible.
This is an alignment I came up with a couple of years ago. AL East: Baltimore, Boston, New York, Toronto AL North: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota AL South: Houston, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Texas AL West: Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle NL East: Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Washington NL North: Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Portland NL South: Arizona, Cincinnati, Miami, St. Louis NL West: Colorado, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
I don't mind the AL. For me in the NL I just can't seperate the Cubs and Cards. That Portland to Pittsburgh and Miami to Phoenix trips in the division would ge rough. I do appreciate the comment and ideas!
I think San Antonio could be possible, but I think Jacksonville would be a hard sell. Population doesn't mean much if they don't attend. Miami and Tampa already struggle enough with attendance
@@3up3down The Jaguars are 17th out of 32 teams in attendance, outperforming the Tennessee Titans by a lot, and averaging only a few thousand tickets less than Carolina.
It's possible. Given the lost revenue on both sides in 2020 I feel like an agreement will be reached. The levels of luxury tax (possible minimum?) And deferred money will be issues I'm sure.
My apologies if I did. I do not know the city and trusted the search and photos of getty images as well as other free stock videos. Apparently they were labelled incorrectly
That is a possibility. I feel like that situation should be worked out for a new stadium, but I feel like government politics and funding could get ugly in those negotiations. The White Sox need to stay, but I guess we will see.
So 24 out of 30 owners are going to vote for leaving Chicago top media market for Charlotte and Nashville both in the 20' s for media market size ? We'll see in about 5 or 6 years
@@michaelleroy9281 I would really doubt they leave, but without a stadium it could be a possibility. More likely the White Sox ownership will use the threat to get more public funds out of the city and state to renovate or build a new stadium.
@@8889thevskduebekrh that purchase would be a huge step for Portland. Austin just announced a play as well. Plus Salt Lake has a location as well. This off-season could bring huge news!
I def think Nashville gets a team I just doubt it’s in the national league. The Braves have way too big a following state wide, even being the first state outside of GA to get a Braves license plate so competing in the same league with them wouldn’t be the best way to attract new fans
Portland, Charlotte, Nashville, and San Antonio. But I think MLB should go bigger and adjust the playing season as well. Add Mexico City (2), Monterrey, Vancouver, Calgary, Oklahoma City, Montreal, SLC, Oakland or San Jose. Start the season in early march, front load the schedule for warm and domed parks, and end the regular season by mid-September. Reduce the number of regular season games to 140. This would reduce mid-week games, and make MLB more of an event. I think MLB would be more competitive with football in Sept and Oct this way.
I like the thought. It would be tough to have every team play every team every year and still have plenty of division games. I really like expansion south to Mexico or the Dominican. I've talked about it in some previous videos. In the end it will all be about having enough talent to sustain the game
I say expand to 40 teams. Add 10 new teams because there are a lot of metros that have grown a lot in recent decades which aren't really getting their fair share of teams. I'd do eight divisions with five teams per division. NL East: NY Mets, Philadelphia, Montreal, Washington, Miami NL South: Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Charlotte, Nashville NL North: Cincinnati, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Pittsburgh NL West: Arizona, LA Dodgers, San Diego, Colorado, San Francisco AL East: NY Yankees, Boston, Baltimore, Toronto, Raleigh AL North: Detroit, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, Kansas City, Cleveland AL Southwest: Texas, Houston, LA Angels, Las Vegas, Austin AL Northwest: Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento
in the late 80s early 90s before we got the Rockies and Marlins there was talk the MLB was thinking of doing away with AL and NL and going with East vs West divisions and go with Regional Realignment that is said to be why they want to get the A's AND Rays stadiums dealt with first
@@richbursary9053 fair enough, but attendance has been solid across the league for 2 straight years (except Oakland of course) . It's not a sport that requires a huge attendance every game to make it work.
That's fair. Although I think we actually have far more pitching talent then ever before. It's just being used in different ways with starters throwing less and more bullpen arms.
@@rufust.firefly4890 sorry I'm completely against this one. If pitchers were given the opportunity to consistently throw 90 mph like past generations they would be just as good. The body is not designed to consistently throw 100 mph, but to get paid that's becoming the requirement
I would hate seeing 8 divisions of 4 teams each. It would make divisional play almost irrelevant. The 4 divisions of 8 teams sounds much better and I like the idea of only 6 playoff teams in each league. Can't fault your picks for the teams but I would love to see the Expos come back...
I'd love the Expos back too. I prefer the 4 divisions, but if they go with 8 (I think they will) I hope there are more division games to keep it relevant
@@3up3down My other idea was just 2 divisions with top 3 with wild cards. Right now today having a third division doesn't matter if the winner doesn't crack the top 2.
@@rfe8nn2 2 divisions could get tough creating a balanced schedule. I think that would really increase potential travel. More divisions typically means less travel
So, Pittsburgh is going to have trouble competing with the Phillies and Mets…the Braves go into a division with an expansion team and two teams that hate spending money…fix those 2 issues and you have a good alignment
That would be interesting. I do not know how you handle the travel dynamic. It also makes tv a challenge with the huge time difference. I lived for a year in the UK, and am skeptical of the support a team would get.
I appreciate the comment, but have to agree to disagree. I think there is a huge amount of talent, but some us hidden in the minors due to playing time and to avoid service time
What About San Juan, Puerto Rico ... Population is @ 3.2 Million plus for the whole island which is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. LOTS of latino fans and Still US Terrritory. Might help with secondary expansion to Mexico in the future I would also like to see Montreal... Also Vancouver, BC Canada metro area is @ 2.6 million (3rd largest metro area in Canada)
I completely agree that MLB should go to a place like Peurto Rico or the Dominican. I just don't see it happening this round of expansion. I hope it does come true some day
It feels weird as a Rangers fan to lose the Mariners Angels and Athletics in one fell swoop… blowing up 50 years of rivalries in favor of a recent rivalry with Houston and a historic rivalry with the Royals… and the Rockies?!?
@@chrisofchris they are a tough one. If both new teams are in the east this may stay. I think geography will win out and that Texas to Seattle trip doesn't really fit either
Ha ha ha! Your videos of what is supposed to be Salt Lake City look more like Vancouver... or maybe a city in Indonesia. Maybe double check your search results next time if you're relying on that for stock footage.
My apologies if they are incorrect. The videos were labelled with those cities and I have never been to them. In the end it's the information that counts
The question that keeps coming up is where to build a stadium in San Antonio. I don't know the area, but am told there is no good place and traffic is a nightmare
@@davidkurvach3993 it makes sense in terms of connection to the team. I'm just not convinced Chicago will let the White Sox leave. Seeing a team leave your city looks like such a huge failure to the city.
Carolina Hurricanes are thriving in Raleigh, not Charlotte.
My apologies if I did say Charlotte. I certainly meant Raleigh. My brother is a Canes fan so my apologies
Yes Charlotte as it is top 5 growing cities in the country. Raleigh would just be horrible as it put it as far from the bulk of the Carolinas as possible. I hate that the hockey team is in Raleigh because I never go. It’s too far and I guarantee most people from South Carolina wouldn’t go to Raleigh for a hockey game either so Charlotte is a much better location and has the population to support
@@Mclark112522 thanks for the insight. Sounds like Charlotte is the place to be
Either North Carolina cities would be best suited for MLB expansion
@@danrhone9756 I think it's a very solid chance MLB comes here
Sadly, the Expos aren't coming back this time. So, my dream of seeing the Expos redux is fading. 😔 I'll be 70 if I make it to expansion this time. 🤞
I really want them back too, but I don't see the fit for the league. They almost need to have the stadium first and that's not happening
@@3up3down Yes, and it appears the various governmental authorities are progressively hostile. Bronfman was honest in a recent interview that the dismissal of the ill-fated Rays shared-city plan badly set back Montréal's chances. Expansion teams are too expensive.
@@thomasjoseph3488 they really are expensive. I liked the shared city plan. Unfortunately, it looks like it may have been used by the Rays to get a new stadium
@@UselessTrucker I know they are passionate about their sports
Nice work! I did a full proposal on reddit that included Nashville and Salt Lake City and A's to Vegas. I came with the exact divisions.
Thank you! I think it makes a lot of sense
Your realignment is spot on. Some of the realignment proposals I’ve seen floated around are absolutely impractical. We’ve been down this road before in the past - the more boring, least disruptive realignment will win out. The Central divisions end up becoming the North, while the South divisions are created with outcasts. AL East, AL North, NL North, and NL West make the most sense to me. Rays, Royals, Pirates, and Rockies are clearly the odd ducks, being the newest to their divisions and the furthest geographically from their neighbors. I really do like returning the Pirates to the East, where they used to play, and gain playing against their inner-state rival Phillies.
I agree that if Texas gets a team you can’t have all three Texas teams in one division - it would be a marketing and broadcasting failure. And I like your idea of flipping the Rays and Rockies, as they are then closer to other like teams (Rockies and Royals, Rays and Marlins and Braves). I think maybe the Braves complain the most with the new realignment, but hey, they were in the out-of-place NL West for 27 years… hopefully geography wins out here.
I appreciate it. I really hope geography wins out too. I think it makes the most sense for baseball and really promotes those division rivalries baseball is known for. I found the NL Central to be a challenge to deal with. It may be the best current division in terms of geography. I appreciate you saw that connection getting the Pirates back to the NL East with the Phillies.
As an Astros fan, I wish they went back to the National League. Winning the World Series was great, but at the price of turning into the Yankies of the south? Pipe dream though.
@@douglasstemke2444 it is a possibility
The Pirates playing the Mets and Phillies is a good thing.
@@trv411 agreed
Interestingly, Louisville was bigger than both Nashville and Atlanta in 1948. Lack of local leadership and vision have relegated Louisville to second -tier status forever. Congrats in advance, Music City.
I'm always surprised a major sport hasn't made its way to Louisville
@@3up3down College town first and foremost. Wish our old ABA Kentucky Colonels had joined the NBA with the other four teams almost 50 years ago. Wearing my Colonels T-shirt as I type this!
@@thomasjoseph3488 very nice!
As close as Louisville is to Cincinnati, the Reds would probably fight expansion to Louisville tooth and nail.
@@robertwayne808 Oh, for sure. MLB could never happen here.
One thing I’d like to see in expansion teams would be at least 1 or 2 extra Canadian Based Clubs. I’d like to see either Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary to get a team.
I'd love to see that too, but sadly the market just isn't big enough with enough sponsorship
People are already crying about taxpayer money being used to help with the new arena for the Flames, although it’s only being used for the infrastructure and demolition of the saddledome, they’d never be ok with that happening for an mlb team, though I’d love having an mlb team only 2.5hrs away from me
@@benburrows4826 I wish there was a way to make transportation between Calgary and edmonton quicker to help
I grew up in Edmonton, but really can't imagine expansion into Canada due to market forces. Even the NHL would rather expand into the US than Canada
@@douglasstemke2444 the only 2 even possible right now would be Vancouver and Montreal
I don't even follow baseball anymore and I will subscribe simply because of the homework done by the host on this matter...like a high level corporate debriefing. Impressive.
Thank you so much!
You better start following baseball and support your team. Do it now.
I'll never understand where they get Salt Lake and its population from. It's like the 30 miles north of Salt Lake doesn't exist. Salt Lakes' true population within about a 45-minute radius is 2.8 million people.
@@dcjohnson7615 I think it comes from what they do with other mlb cities. Others have the population closer in. I'm no expert, but feel like Salt Lake has the population close enough to it. Especially if they really market to the whole state.
@@3up3downjust a tip you want to use “combined statistical area”. You can do a quick google search and find the Wikipedia article showing the list. It will also show why it’s a much better method to determine population. Metro areas are terrible statistic because they can be massive or pretty small. The wasatch front in Utah is one big city of close to 3 million but two metro areas. They used to be one but randomly decided to split them about 29 years ago. So CSA is the statistic you want.
@@3up3downSLC, and Utah in general is uniquely situated where 90% of the population of the state is within 1hr of the capital. Moreover all the major cities (Ogden, SLC, Provo) are connected on a state run rail corridor called the Frontrunner that’s getting a lot of funding for expanded service for the Olympics in 2034, which fits nicely into your expansion timing.
Basically, Utah’s population is lower but very compact and connected. It would be relatively easy for most of the population to see several games a year.
@@N7277 I knew about the proximity to the other cities. I did not know about the funding for the rail corridor. That would certainly help out and fit the time frame. Thank you so much for the information and comment!
Like to see the two relocated teams, such as: Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas Nevada, and either Tampa Bay Rays or Miami Marlins will move to Salt Lake City Utah, since Utah will be the fastest growing state into 2030.
You'll almost for sure see Oakland to Las Vegas. Tampa has plans for a new stadium and Miami is stable and not looking to move right now
The team that is likely to move is Kansas City, because of stadium issues
@@jasonfire3434 I have a feeling they get that figured out.
I don't think Kansas City will move for stadium issues. I've followed that issue and it looks like they have plenty of opportunities for a new stadium outside of their preferred location (which involves razing a thriving arts and entertainment district). They want a view of the downtown skyline which is the new, hip thing but in the grand scheme is unimportant if they are only competitive for a couple years every 30 years. If anything, they will exit the Kansas City market to drive ticket sales from a new fanbase, not for facilities.
@@AlterverseX thanks for the insight. I'd say competitive more every 10 years. They are a smaller market that has struggled with sustained success. I've heard a possible move across the state may be possible, but I'm thinking they get this done in KC
Interesting. I believe MLB will go with the 4 divisions in each league and have 6 teams make the playoffs in each league. I believe Nashville will get one of the expansion teams and the other will be out west. I would love to see San Antonio get it but I think Salt Lake City will get the nod.
I appreciate the comment. I think the 4 divisions in each is the likely outcome. I do enjoy the set up with 2 divisions in each, but in the end it probably is not the way it goes
This video is perfect. This is exactly what I think it will look like. You have the same realignment idea that I had and the same candidates. I think it is pretty accurate and you even said some info I didn't knew. Great video!
@@dominicanball2361 thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! I would like the idea of Nashville and Salt Lake. I’m a Braves fan so seeing Tampa much more would be a challenge.
Thank you! The Braves and Rays could build a real rivalry with this set up
@@3up3down Utah could really capitalize on new fans excitement if they made that move. The Jazz is a big pillar there and I know they’re so ready for their NHL team. A MLB team would set them for life in the sports market and beyond.
I hadn’t thought much about Nashville but seeing your video you made some great points.
@@TimmyVo734 I'm very interested to see how the NHL does in Salt Lake. So far it looks very positive. I hope it proves to be a great sports town.
I'd like to see Utah/Salt Lake city. Utah is getting the former Arizona hockey team and has an NBA franchise. It's also a fast-growing and young city/state, which is prime territory for expansion. They would have a natural rivalry with Colorado as well as Las Vegas, and a stadium in that region would rival Coors in natural beauty.
I completely agree with the chance to build a beautiful stadium and the rivalries. They certainly seem to have a motivated ownership group or groups as well as the city desiring the opportunity. Salt Lake feels like a great location.
SLC has motivated and qualified investors, for sure.
Unfortunately, appears the Utah Jazz will NEVER win an NBA Championship.
@@larrystaley21 I'll be watching the hockey team carefully the next 2 years to see if they can attract free agent talent
Going to be hard for Utah to come up with more money for baseball with the Olympics coming up to the state.
I think COL & TB should stat in their current leagues. UTAH in the AL West; NASHVILLE in the NL South. Done.
That would make it Texas, Houston, KC, TB in one and Miami, Atlanta, Nashville, Colorado in the other. It's possible, but if I'm Colorado I hate that
6 teams by 2040 makes 36 total. Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, and (choose one) Oklahoma City, Memphis, New Orleans or Vancouver.
@@trv411 I like the optimism for a big expansion. It's certainly possible. Being Canadian, I'll take Vancouver in those choices
The MLB has had 30 teams since the 1998 season. I think an extra two teams will be good! Especially one in Charlotte (where the nearest team is the Atlanta Braves - plus the Carolinas have teams for all of the other "Big Four" leagues). And I'd do something similar to how the NFL works (that league has had 32 teams since the 2002-2003 season).
It is certainly time to get to 32. The structure could look pretty similar to the NFL in the end
Nice video detailing possible expansion. As a Mariners fan, it would be nice to see a western team as one of the 2 new teams because they travel the most out of any MLB team. Portland would be a great rival but I think Mariners ownership doesn’t want a team there cause it would take away the Oregon market for them. I do like SLC as an option too if Portland doesn’t work out. Also the images you had up while discussing SLC wasn’t anything remotely looking like the state of Utah or SLC area. That looked like Cincinnati & some Asian metro area.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. That is the trouble with expansion and trying to create rivalries between cities close together. Teams enjoy the benefit that come from the rivalry, but don't want to give up their television and fan rights. I do apologize if they are incorrect images. They came up for Salt Lake city in search results and I have never been to confirm the images.
Sounds like you just want the Astros out of the AL West.
@@emp0rizzle not at all. Just trying to make it work geographically. They've been in a central division before
@@3up3down If you include SLC in future videos you have to look for mountains; SLC is
@@N7277 appreciate it. I was deceived by some mislabeled stock video clips. Pictures are far more likely for the next one
Good video! I feel like a city you didn't mention is the city of Oakland. Despite the team leaving, many want the city to have a baseball team (both the city and execs alike), and would likely thrive under new onwership.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the comment and think you are right. It's likely going to take a few years once the A's are gone for us to truly see the potential in Oakland. The issue would be to find an ownership group that can get a stadium deal done with the city. I do think you are rightbthat baseball still needs to consider it. The NHL is doing that with Arizona
@@3up3down True, the owner of the Warriors (Lacob) has expressed interest when the A's were on the market in 2010, and I think he's open to bidding for another one for Oakland, but I'm not sure :)
@@isaacy2718 Hopefully in time Oakland can be considered. It certainly has a strong history and could build a beautiful park on the bay
Great analysis. I think Salt Lake is the front runner over Portland in the west with a shovel ready location tied to a six block development. Plus they have the 900 million plus the 3 billion from LHM group ready to go. But why is all the video for Salt lake other random cities?🤣
Thank you very much. I agree that Salt Lake has really prepared itself to be a top candidate. As for the clips, they were all labeled as Salt Lake City, my apologies that they are not.
Your alignment is exactly what I think would happen. Colorado & Tampa are going to have to flip leagues. Colorado being with KC and the Texas teams makes a nice tight little Mid-South division, and Tampa being with other geographically southeast teams works out perfectly as well.
@@immortalkombatant I'm glad I met your standards. I think it would make for some terrific division battles
MLB should do eastern and western conferences with divisions.
@@1stutterafter I really don't see it happening. It's been AL and NL for 100 years
I think Salt Lake and Nashville would be great options for MLB expansion
They look to be the favorites
San Antonio is an aging city. While baseball fans tend to skew older, I don't see them as a longstanding baseball team given that MLB is the odd duck of the big four. A big reason why I prefer the A's to stay in Sacramento or move to Utah is due to the fact that I don't see Las Vegas as fitting locally as a baseball city. The NFL was perfect for it due to the short season and the other sports are just objectively faster paced than baseball. A tourist is probably not going to visit Vegas for an MLB season. I just want Portland to have a team so the Mariners won't be in this Rockies situation where you kinda have to root for them if you're even remotely local.
I'm wondering if Las Vegas will be a baseball town or not. I have a hard time believing it will be. Although I thought the same thing about hockey and that has worked well. I feel like Austin would be the favorite over San Antonio, but money talks and we may find out what owners and city want it more if it comes to that.
@@3up3down Yeah, again I think most of the income will come from secondary and tertiary sources if the A's last in Vegas I think Fisher grossly overestimates the tourism. Not because Vegas isn't a gold mine it is, but only a baseball tourist would be drawn to them and they are not the norm. Austin is more viable than San Antonio but I have heard there's no real place to build there and both Houston and Arlington are close to Austin. It's like a stop gap between the two from my cursory glance.
@@BoondockBrony the issue for Las Vegas is its also not an expansion team. People can see it right now and if management keeps trading away pieces and stripping it down no one will come watch. Sure they'll come for a few years with a new park and experience, but it won't last.
I know Texas is huge and growing, but something about 3 teams feels a little much right now
@@3up3down I like the idea of San Antonio... But, they can't get a steady flow for the Missions...
If you put a third team in Texas... Austin and San Antonio are first in line... But, I'd like to see pro sports in El Paso... Though that won't happen... It would put them far enough away they can grow a fan base...
@@user-yi4lp2cz1q Austin seems to be preparing for a big push for a team
9:35 That's a shot of Cincinnati. I think it will be Salt Lake City and Nashville. That's what I hope for anyways.
I do apologize for that clip. It was labeled incorrectly and I just don't know the views of the city. I think you have a good chance of seeing that.
@@3up3down no worries. I live in Cincinnati. I'm a Reds season ticket holder. Just pointing it out. Good job on the video.
@@BigMcFlips thank you. I hope your Reds make a run. They've got a fun team to watch
@@3up3down thanks. I'm hoping like hell lol.
@@BigMcFlips enjoy the season
As someone that has grown up in Tennessee, I believe you will have to make a Nashville team a part of the American league. Most of Tennessee is covered in Braves or Cardinals fans, and the only way that you could pull allegiance from those teams as if they were part of a separate league.
@@mivin911 that's fair. Thanks for the insight. I would hope a new team in the area could potentially lead to some change of allegiance
I really hope Portland gets an MLB expansion team! I have lived in Oregon for almost 23 years. But, I lived west of Seattle for 14 1/2 years beforehand. All of my sports loyalties are still in Washington state: the Washington Huskies; Seattle Seahawks; Seattle Supersonics/Sonics; Seattle Kraken; Seattle Sounders; Seattle Mariners. I would love to see the Mariners have a closer opponent San Francisco or Las Vegas!!!
It sure looks like they will get Las Vegas. I know the group is Portland is well organized and prepared to make a big push. Given you know the area, is there a lot of fan interest? Is there a great site for a stadium?
The Mariner ownership has been fighting against expansion in Portland and Vancouver BC. Fear of drawing fans away from Seattle.
I see Miami moving North because of lack of significant attendance.
@@peopleskarmasquad1042 it makes sense why they are. When it comes to expansion I think every location will have this issue. In the end the high expansion fee will help owners get over it
Portland does NOT deserve to have an MLB team AT ALL. Oregon doesn’t deserve any Semi Pro or Pro Team of any kind. It is bad enough there is an MLS & NBA team there.
@@k7j6 seems a little harsh
Great video, but I wonder if you have the driver misplaced? The best financing will drive expansion and subsequent realignment. Realignment will be the derivative.
@@daveoldbenberg5531 money certainly always talks. In that sense I think these 4 are set up nicely. We will see if any other big players step forward.
The only issue I really see with Charlotte is the Braves, Nationals and possibly the Orioles claiming that area for their fanbases. I'm not sure MLB would want one of their new franchises to pay a territory fee.
I could see that being an issue. I do think if MLB wants to really realign in terms of geography then Charlotte makes a lot of sense. I know the Orioles and Nationals really fought over tv area rights when the Nationals moved in. Ideally MLB could work with the teams to broker a deal over area rights before the announcement of expansion.
@@3up3down yeah but Nashville would be a better option for a southeast team.
@@ATCguy1973 I would favor Nashville as well over Charlotte. I just think Charlotte has the possibility of a strong ownership group in a solid sports locale.
@@3up3down yes I agree. But a Nashville franchise will have a better chance to compete financially right away like the owners would like. Charlotte would take a few years to compete much to the commissioner's chagrin. It doesn't work that way for expansion franchises anymore. Look at Vegas and Seattle for the NHL. That's the new direction for new franchises in the major 4 sports.
@@ATCguy1973 I think the ability to be competitive early on will be very much tied to how an expansion draft is carried out. The number of protected players would greatly effect this. Also Seattle and Vegas came in on their own. If MLB were to expand by 2 I think it would be 2 teams at the same time (they have typically done this). That would change any expansion draft scenario. PLus MLB does not allow the trading of draft picks. The NHL teams really used that to their advantage.
When you were talking about SLC around 9:43… that doesn’t look like Salt Lake City
@@psobecke my apologies. It is not. I have not been to the city and was mislead by the title of the clip
No chance of a complete mixing up of teams? I am in the Northeast and many want the Yankees/Mets/Red Sox and Phillies in one division. Nobody in our area cares about a rivalry with Toronto (No offense)
I'm not against it (as a Jays fan I'd love to get away from the Yankees/Red Sox). It would effect attendance as smaller teams really rely on the dollars of travelling fans from the big market teams (think Yankees fans at Rays games). I know there is no longer the DH, but some may like to keep the tradition of teams alive and connected to the American and National leagues. I think it could work in the Northeast as it keeps rivalries together (Yankees/Red Sox, etc), but the West Coast might be odd as it may split teams like Giants/Dodgers that are also a huge part of the game if we go strictly geography. I appreciate the comment as it is certainly an interesting idea
New Orleans doesn’t even have a minor league b-ball team that will not happen
Maybe that's where it needs to start. Not necessarily New Orleans, but somewhere in Louisiana
Also New Orleans is no longer even in the top 50 metro areas.
@@Marylandbrony good to know. Thanks for the insight
Isn't Louisiana hot in the summer? Of course that doesn't stop Las Vegas from getting a major league team? This summer is going to be hot! But I'm not trading heat for 8 months of snow every year! 40 below keeps out all the riff raff!
I have a question for the Canadian viewers. What city in Canada has a market the size of Pittsburgh or Kansas City? Not to argue, but not every city can be New York. Unfortunately with teeny tiny towns like Kansas City, packing a park takes some doing! Maybe this really is the new golden age of baseball post expansion.
@@DanielQuakenbush that's why a roof on a stadium works. Phoenix makes it work.
As for Canada, at this time the only 2 that have the population would be Montreal and Vancouver. We know the history of Montreal. Vancouver has never really seen a push for a team
I would do 2 divisions in each league, with Milwaukee and Houston moving back to their old leagues. The top 2 teams in each division, as well as the next two best teams in each league, would make the playoffs. The division winners would get a first round bye, and the second place finishers would play the other two teams in the wild card round.
@@DoctorEw220 I like that division and playoff set up as well. I just don't really see it happening
Growing up in the PNW PACIFIC NORTHWEST it was a dream to have baseball in Portland and the revenue coming in from the Seattle games playing each other but if politicians are holding this back what needs to happen is getting a owner that can take control and get things done however i don't let them try to put the stadium at the old red tail golf course when in fact if you go buy the the old industrial area or i do believe its pier 49 or pier 56 i cant remember off hand but that's more logical and better for commuting then being so far from all local transportation systems my other suggestion is to move Arizona to the AL west and then move the A's to the NL west so it makes balance travel
@@wrongfullyRight4Jesus I really hope that the Portland area can organize enough to get a team. It would create a great rivalry. Thanks for the insights on the potential areas for a new stadium. I'm just ready to see some geographical balance in the divisions
Well Nashville is basically a lock lol but the 2 most likely to be the 2nd city are Salt Lake City and one of Austin/San Antonio. San Antonio is going to be hard to turn down with its 3 million Metro Area and only 1 other Professional team in the Spurs. I’d be happy with either one but would prefer Salt Lake…
I'd prefer Salt Lake as well, but we will see. I think they have ownership around that is highly motivated. I'm not as sure of that with the Texas cities
Austin will pass San Antonio in population within the next five years. It only has MLS and none from the other big sports leagues.
For 32 teams I’d do two 8 team divisions per league because this would allow for the most balanced schedule in the MLB
I've played around with a bit and really like that. I'm curious to see what happens
I don't see how the MLB will IGNORE South Central Texas, either San Antonio or Austin. These two large metros are 70 miles apart, even the US Census Bureau will most likely combined the two metros into one soon. Both metros have a combined population of SIX million already, growing quickly... SIX million is TWICE the size of the others you rewarded a MLB franchise... Twice Portland, Salt Lake City, Nashville, and Charlotte... When Texas surpasses California in population within the next two decades, Texas should have as many MLB teams as California, presently with five... Three isn't too many!
I'm not suggesting 3 is too many. It does come with territory issues though. The Rangers and Astros will have some say. Plus TV rights could be a real factor here. The area and population can absolutely support more. It just brings complications that Utah doesn't. I have openly supported expansion to Austin in previous videos and do prefer it over many others. I was just trying to show who is best prepared and what it could look like at this time. Not trying to leave anyone out
@@3up3down I think Nashville is too small and Vegas is saturated with new teams.
Do major sports players want to live full time in SLC.🙄
@@jamesbrown8873 I think you could say the same for many places. They'll go where the money is in many cases
Have the Angels and Diamondbacks switch leagues, and make the NL West all California teams(Padres, Angels, Dodgers, Giants)
@@geraldlogue7620 I don't mind it at all. I'm betting the Dbacks would like to stick with the Dodgers and Padres. Those teams travel well to Phoenix. Appreciate the idea!
Has an Expos cap on, wears a Toronto Blue Jays hoodie. Seems legit.
Canadian baseball fan. It was a sad time watching the Expos go. I grew up loving Vlad, Vidro, and the group
My top choices are somewhere in North Carolina, probably Charlotte, but Raleigh is also fine, and Portland to connect Seattle to the rest of the league. Otherwise, I wouldn't hate putting Montreal back in as the Expos.
I like the choices! Thanks for the comment
Also worth noting, I don't think that they'd stop at just 2 more teams. I could very easily see a route to a 40 team MLB. In that scenario, Charlotte, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Montreal, and Portland are all easily in place. Another 5 teams would be in order, which is how you could get San Antonio in. The last 4 become difficult to figure out for me.
@@blueredlover1060 it'll depend a lot on the grassroots level and development of players. Needing pitchers for 40 teams with the injuries currently happening would be a nightmare. I'd love expansion to all, but only with stability for all.
@@3up3down I agree with the injury stuff, but I think we're going to end up going through another philosophy change with pitchers soon. We're going to have to go through one. We know that the upper 90s aren't sustainable, so it may come down to lowering the speed a bit and having greater command. We may even see the return of the knuckleballer.
@@blueredlover1060 it'll have to make its way all the way down to kids and those coaches. Given the value of contracts and scholarships it'll be tough to change without some sort of rule change. Way too many kids are being taught to max out way too often way too young
As a Braves fan, seeing the Braves leave the NL East would be strange. The Braves/Mets/Phillies rivalry is too strong to break up. I get geography is the goal, but maybe MLB would treat the NL East the same way the NFL treats the NFC East(letting the Cowboys be in a division based in the northeast).
In some ways I think any realignment will feel strange, but necessary. Given the Braves were in the NL West from 1969 to 1994 I think this change would make sense.
@@3up3down I get that. Its going to be a tough pill to swallow. At least you didnt split the Cubs/Cards.
@@sunny1992s I don't think they would ever be split
Here is my proposal that I think would work out
AL East: Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles
NL East: Mets, Phillies, Pirates, Nationals
AL West: Angels, Mariners, A’s, SLC Expansion
NL West: Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Dbacks
AL South: Rangers, Astros, Rays, Royals
NL South: Braves, Marlins, Reds, Nashville Expansion
AL North: Tigers, White Sox, Twins, Guardians
NL North: Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Rockies.
It limits the amount of travel for the most part while still keeping the existing teams in the same leagues, some of these could be interchangeable, like maybe having KC in the north and Cleveland in the South, or moving the Nats to the south and bringing a Montreal Expansion to the north.
Very similar. The AL south travel would be tough in the division. Same for the Rockies. Just my opinion thought. Solid idea, thanks for the comment!
Louisiana has some great college teams. It deserves an MLB team.
I certainly think it would support an MLB team. Would New Orleans have enough big business for sponsors and a potential ownership group? I know the Saints are well supported. I just don't know the area well enough and have not heard anything about a possible team there.
I think the best options, over the long term are Monterrey, Mexico and Puerto Rico. But I like your analysis.
@@tx4616 thank you! Long term I really like the thought of expansion out of the US as well
It’ll be Portland and Nashville
@@1stutterafter strong possibility. I still favor SLC
4 divisions in each league makes the most sense, but I really don’t like the idea that the playoffs would consist of only division winners considering some divisions are much weaker. For example the AL East had 3 playoffs teams last year and with this new set up theres no opportunity for a wild card race. I think if they had divisions but made winning them meaningless then it would be more interesting come playoff time. The best teams should be competing in the playoffs, not some team that finished .500 but won their 4 team division
I think with 4 divisions per league you have the 4 winners plus 2 wild card. You still make having the best record important as the top 2 division winners get byes. Then the other 2 play the 2 wild cards exclusively at their park. It actually takes away the current wild card versus wild card series we currently have
I've lived in Portland. How can u have an outdoor ballpark when it rains as much as it does there
Who says it's going to be outdoors? A retractable roof would work nicely
Summer weather is great in Portland
@3up3down
Clearly u don't know the struggles that city has. Who's going to pay for a retractable roof? I bet that's about 250 million on top of the cost to build the ballpark
@@Scottie4twenty I'm aware of the struggles. There are changes starting to be made and a lot can change in 5 years. Plus the right owner can fund a lot of a new stadium on their own
Didn’t they have a strong minor league team? If so, how did they perform during the rainy season?
I know this will NEVER happen, but the quality of talent is already watered down. On most teams there are 1 or 2 guys who really belong in AAA. Adding 2 teams will make the quality of MLB teams even worse. Then when you figure in the attendance figures, you could easily come to the conclusion that instead of Expanding by 2 teans, they really should be contracting 2 teams. The Oakland A's should be contracted out of existence (my opinion) instead of moving to Sacramento>Las Vegas. There also doesn't need to be 2 teams in Florida. Neither one gets good attendance. My solution would be to have 1 Team in Orlando in a really fancy new domed stadium close to Disney. That 1 Florida team, centrally located and by Disney would surely do better attendance wise. Of course we all know that will never happen. Manfred will pursue the 2 new markets and the talent pool will be watered down even further, adding 52 more AAA players. Rays and Marlins attendance will never be good, and the Vegas experiment won't work out as hoped either. Just wait and see.
As far as expansion, I believe they would go with 4 divisions of 4 teams each in both league. The 4 divisional champion, plus 2 wild cards in each league.
I know contraction has been talked about in the past, but yes it's highly unlikely. I agree with you that each team has at least 1 to 2 guys on their roster in AAA. I would argue there are at least 1 to 2 on every AAA roster that should be I the majors, but aren't due to playing and service time. I think with mlb trending younger there will still be quality talent for another 2 teams. Oakland moving should help. I seriously still question Tampa and like them to go to Orlando. Thanks for the thoughts and comment!
There have been rumors that the Chicago White Sox may relocate out of Chicago and out of Illinois entirely. Some suggestions were that the team may relocate to either Nashville or Charlotte. As for expansions, Vancouver, Portland, Sacramento, Montréal, Charlotte, and Nashville if there isn't another relocation.
@@panowa8319 I've heard those rumors. I wonder what will happen. I feel right now it's a situation like what happened with Arizona and Milwaukee and others. They are trying to get every dollar they can out of government. The difference is the current stadium is not that old and it feels like Chicago is tired of the shake down from its pro teams
Hopefully the Milwaukee Brewers can move back to the American League. Would be nice watching them actually play our rivals White Sox's, Twins, Tigers, Indians, and the Royals.
I'm not sure I see a situation where this happens, but they would be an option to move if needed
I agree that eight divisions is a subtle and smart tag-along way of expanding the lucrative playoffs with the two teams. Expanded playoffs mitigates (but does not solve) MLB's systemic financial inequities.
I actually prefer the 4 division look, but I really think the 8 division is where it's going
@@3up3down Me, too, but the eight segments make another playoff expansion easy and the money is too tempting. It does help the low-income teams "just get in," broadening the possible WS winner pools.
@@thomasjoseph3488 agreed. I just enjoy the baseball playoffs being special with fewer teams, but the almighty dollar will always win
I hope that it's San Antonio and either Charlotte or Portland. Oklahoma City is another sleeper you forgot to mention. They're doing well with an NBA team.
I think San Antonio is possible. To my knowledge there is no ownership group really set up. Same with Oklahoma city, although maybe the minor league owners in these cities could step up. I've talked about them in previous videos. They are contenders, but just not as far along in the process as others
@@3up3downAustin is also another possibility. It's the fastest growing city in America. The population here has almost tripled since I first moved here back in the 90's.
@@dustinrobertson5416 would it be a place that would embrace baseball? I like the idea. Others say it's more of a soccer city. I always appreciate the perspective of those in the area.
@@3up3down Do you really think there isn't a Texas billionaire willing to buy a MLB expansion franchise for South Central Texas? The ownership of the Spurs IS interested in buying a MLB team although I am sure others will come forward. A downtown location on the Riverwalk has already been sited for a new baseball stadium for AAA ball, which can be easily upgraded to MLB...
@@ronclark9724 I'm not suggesting there isn't one. Assuming there is (and that is likely) they just aren't making the same amount as noise as other groups. A Texas team could come with issues over territory with the Rangers and Astros. Obviously these could be worked out, but Utah wouldn't have those complications
I wud add 6 teams 3AL and 3NL. One team per division. One AL and one NL every two years. AL WEST PORTLAND LUMBERJAX, AL CENTRAL LOUISVILLE STALLIONS, AL EAST CAROLINA COPPERHEADS. NL-WEST UTAH SWARM, NL CENTRAL NASHVILLE STARS, NL EAST MONTREAL EXPOS.
Option B... VANCOUVER VOYAGERS AL WEST, OKC OUTLAWS AL CENTRAL, KENTUCKY COLONELS AL CENTRAL AND MOVING PITTSBURGH PIRATES TO AL EAST. UTAH SWARM NL WEST, NASHVILLE STARS NL CENTRAL, CAROLINA COPPERHEADS NL EAST.
I like the idea. I mentioned in another post that the issue I could see is finding pitching for all those teams.
Would make more senses to have a Louisville team in the NL with the Reds. Then move the Brewers back to the AL.
@@stevenlapidus5939 In this situation I like that.
I live in central indiana and I would love an mlb ball club in Indianapolis. I know we have a decent AAA team but I would rather have a mlb team so we can see some of baseballs best players in Indiana.
@@h25c1 that would be a nice place for baseball. If I remember I talked about it in a previous video. Thanks for the comment
I agree with 814 divisions. I agree with the potential markets. Your alignment however, is flawed. If every team is going to play every team every year, there’s no reason to have American in National League. It will end up being cheaper and easier to have geographically located teams and eliminate the American other than to say, the east would be the American League West would be the National League or vice versa.
I appreciate the opinion. I greatly appreciate the history of baseball and would love to see the tradition of American and National League be kept. I think it does help for playoffs as well so you still have 2 sides. If they want to go entirely geographic I fear the loss of old rivalries. The Dodgers and Giants as an example would likely be seperated. If there is a way to keep the traditional rivalries than it certainly is possible.
Charlotte would be a better choice than Nashville. It’s close enough to the South Carolina border so that it represents both Carolinas. The Charlotte metro area will soon have over 3 million residents, which makes it much larger than about a third of the current major league markets.
I like the thought of Charlotte. As someone mentioned it may have some issues with other teams like Baltimore and Washington claiming the area. That could always be worked out. In certainly has the big businesses to be sponsors
@@3up3down I believe Charlotte is closer to Atlanta. South Carolina is definitely Braves Country. I think all of those teams would make excellent rivals for a Charlotte franchise.
It would be nice to see Montreal get a team back. Have you heard of any possibility that the Omaha area getting a team? Lincoln is just down the road (40 minutes) and does not get counted in the Omaha Metro area population nor does Sioux City or Des Moines. Nebraska has sold out every football season since 1962 and the College World Series does very well with attendance. Additionally, you have Warren Buffett and a host of other big money pockets in the area to include the Rickett's family (Cubs Owners). On the surface it would not appear to be a great expansion but there are other factors that are not glaring. Wondered what your thoughts were or if you had head anything. Thanks.
I did hear a bit about Lincoln at one time, but have not for awhile. I talked about it in a previous video. I think Lincoln would be a terrific location if it can consistently draw people in. Creating a greater connection with the CWS would really help the game. So yes I like it too, but I'll take Montreal first as an Expos fan of years back.
@@3up3down Thanks for responding. I believe the best location would be in Omaha or between Lincoln and Omaha which is an easy drive for everyone.
@@CleanCheapShots I like the thought. I always try to respond to everyone. Thanks for checking outbthe channel!
Utah has been the fastest growing state since 2010. The wasatch front has a population of 2.6 million people and quickly growing. They have great support for their nba and mls teams. And will heavily support their nhl team. They have a very young and very healthy population with expendable income. They also have 2 successful big12 teams close to each other. The mlb and nfl would be insane not to move into this market for its potential growth and proven fan support.
@@alexlarsen2464 I really agree with this. I think MLB needs to beat the NFL to this market. You have to strike now to win over the fan base.
Here's how I see it....
If Tampa stays, and Oakland goes to Vegas, expand with 4 new teams. Montreal, Nashville, Vancouver, and Salt Lake City. Montreal and Vancouver will be in the AL and Nashville and SLC in the NL. Move Pittsburgh to the NL North, and move Detroit to the AL North. create divisions as North, Central, East, and West for both leagues. We'd also have to move Houston back to the NL, and move CIN to the NL EAST. This makes the most geographical sense, and keeps most of the best rivalries intact. The worst thing MLB can do is get rid of the AL and NL. I know Manfred wants to destroy the game, but they'll lose tons of fans if they get rid of the leagues. The reason why I have all Canadian teams in the AL is for a few reasons. First, it would maximize the number of times they all play each other a year. This would build rivalries amongst themselves, and other teams in close proximity, such as Vancouver and Seattle. Second, we all know that the Yankees and Red Sox have HUGE fan bases that travel really well. Those teams ALWAYS attract fans to all stadiums when attendance is down, especially for those midweek games.
AL North - DET, TOR, MON, CLE
AL East-TB, BAL, NYY, BOS
AL Central- TEX, MIN, KC, CHI
AL West - LAA, LV, VAN, SEA
NL North-PHI, NYM, PIT, WSH
NL East-ATL, MIA, NSH, CIN
NL Central-CHI, HOU, STL, MIL
NL West-COL, LAD, SF, SLC
I appreciate the thoughts and ideas. What happened to Arizona and San Diego? That's why adding 2 teams to get to 32, not 24 makes sense.
@@3up3down HAHA! I knew ther was teams i forgot! I was typing in a hurry lol.
@@jondelmore3163 no problem at all. Something in the math wasn't adding up.
Would love to see Montreal come back, but that's a stretch. San Antonio is a no Brainer if you know how crazy the city is about baseball. Charlotte or Nashville make sense, New Orleans no way. Portland? Sounds like another Oakland to me.
The San Antonio issue seems to be a logical stadium site. If they can fix thar it would make way more sense
Nashville & Salt Lake
I think that's where this is going
Footprint of the Charlotte park is way too small. Park is already on the small side by AAA standards and has no room to expand.
Thanks for the insight. It's not a park I know. I know the Jays made it work at an A ball park in Dunedin during the pandemic. I assumed there would be a way to adjust a AAA park to work in the short term. Long term it would absolutely need a new build.
Expansion would be surprising because I personally don’t know a single person that follows MLB. The shift is so obvious towards other sports and interests that people have today. During the summer months, sports bars are showing more soccer games, the youth are playing more soccer as well. In addition, today’s generation just isn’t focused enough to grind through a 4 hour long baseball game. IMO, social media, cell phones, and video games are what attracts the attention of today’s entertainment seekers. Me personally, I haven’t watched an entire baseball game in 7 years, nor have I watched any games on television in probably 25 years.
I assume baseball is still somehow profitable via an incredibly long 162 game marathon, I just don’t understand how. This is a byproduct of not knowing anyone interested in the game itself, nor are there ever any sidebar conversations.
@@mbwell the problem here is you say you haven't watched a game in 7 years. I challenge you to sit down and watch a game in today's age. It is completely different. The days of the 4 hour slog are gone. Attendance is up across the league in nearly every market. As much as the World Series doesn't display it, there is far more parity across the league. In fact no team won 100 games this season. I can appreciate the comment, but it simply is not factual
@@3up3down I under what you are saying. But the logic doesn’t quite amount to much in terms of popularity trends. Two examples back this up clearly.
1. When I was a kid, baseball was king during the summer. In 2024, when talking with co-worker’s and such they always highlighted “soccer practice, camps, games” as the kids focus.
2. I absolutely hear no discussions centered around baseball topics. To summarize this. I personally do not know anyone alive that is interested in MLB. Those that did at one time are DEAD.
@@mbwell that's amazing, as where I am baseball is thriving. Yes soccer is a growing sport and that is great, but so is baseball. More kids are signing up. There is a very popular summer league here for college players that is expanding and setting attendance records. It may just be in pockets, but baseball is doing just fine. Plus it is as big as ever in the global market of Asia and growing in Europe
@@3up3down What were the final television rating of the World Series?
@mbwell 15.8 million in US. Highest since 2017 and that was a 7 game series and not a 5 game. 30 million when combined with East Asia
I would put it in Carribean. Santo Domingo would be cool.
@@vigotarr I really like that idea. I've talked about it inna previous video. I don't think it happens on the expansion to 32 teams, but if the league goes to 36 some day then I think it's very possible.
This is an alignment I came up with a couple of years ago.
AL East: Baltimore, Boston, New York, Toronto
AL North: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota
AL South: Houston, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Texas
AL West: Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle
NL East: Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Washington
NL North: Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Portland
NL South: Arizona, Cincinnati, Miami, St. Louis
NL West: Colorado, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
I don't mind the AL. For me in the NL I just can't seperate the Cubs and Cards. That Portland to Pittsburgh and Miami to Phoenix trips in the division would ge rough. I do appreciate the comment and ideas!
@@3up3down I agree with your sentiment. Cubs and Cards are perhaps the 3rd top rivalry, and the top in the middle of the country.
@@luberdoo1950 it's been going so long it needs to stay together
San Antonio and Jacksonville makes more sense to me. They are larger metro areas than any of the cities you mentioned.
I think San Antonio could be possible, but I think Jacksonville would be a hard sell. Population doesn't mean much if they don't attend. Miami and Tampa already struggle enough with attendance
@@3up3down The Jaguars are 17th out of 32 teams in attendance, outperforming the Tennessee Titans by a lot, and averaging only a few thousand tickets less than Carolina.
@@normiewoo787 the Miami Marlins are 29th in attendance averaging 12665 and Tampa is 28th averaging 16145. It's just not a consistent baseball state
@@3up3down Fair enough. I'm hoping Jacksonville can prove to be different.
@@normiewoo787 it would be great if it could. We need the best for baseball. Thanks for the comments and checking out the channel
2030, still 6 years away in 2026 there could be another strike if a labor agreement isn't reached
It's possible. Given the lost revenue on both sides in 2020 I feel like an agreement will be reached. The levels of luxury tax (possible minimum?) And deferred money will be issues I'm sure.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 🇩🇴
I love that and have talked about it in a previous video. I think it could be a great place for MLB.
When talking about Portland why did you show a photo of Cincinnati just curious lol
My apologies if I did. I do not know the city and trusted the search and photos of getty images as well as other free stock videos. Apparently they were labelled incorrectly
No worries it’s all good
@@bengalsfan97 thanks, hope you still enjoyed it
Definitely
@@bengalsfan97 Awesome
Well done.
Thank you!
The white Sox are relocating to Nashville or Charlotte
That is a possibility. I feel like that situation should be worked out for a new stadium, but I feel like government politics and funding could get ugly in those negotiations. The White Sox need to stay, but I guess we will see.
So 24 out of 30 owners are going to vote for leaving Chicago top media market for Charlotte and Nashville both in the 20' s for media market size ? We'll see in about 5 or 6 years
@@michaelleroy9281 I would really doubt they leave, but without a stadium it could be a possibility. More likely the White Sox ownership will use the threat to get more public funds out of the city and state to renovate or build a new stadium.
Hope not. Enjoy going to a Sox game even if the team sucks
@@jwchamberlain5862 I think they'll stay. I want to go to try the campfire smores drink I've heard so much about
I think we got to prepare for more of a radical realignment…i mean possibly ending the AL NL alignment and more of and NBA type East West deal
I think it's possible, but baseball does love its traditions. And AL NL is tradition
Newark NJ
@@SizzurpFoo they can have the football
You have probably already seen, but check the latest development from Portland! No guarantee, but a step in the right direction.
@@8889thevskduebekrh that purchase would be a huge step for Portland. Austin just announced a play as well. Plus Salt Lake has a location as well. This off-season could bring huge news!
I def think Nashville gets a team I just doubt it’s in the national league. The Braves have way too big a following state wide, even being the first state outside of GA to get a Braves license plate so competing in the same league with them wouldn’t be the best way to attract new fans
@@jmast7343 that may be true, but if done properly it could potentially create a great rivalry.
Portland, Charlotte, Nashville, and San Antonio. But I think MLB should go bigger and adjust the playing season as well. Add Mexico City (2), Monterrey, Vancouver, Calgary, Oklahoma City, Montreal, SLC, Oakland or San Jose. Start the season in early march, front load the schedule for warm and domed parks, and end the regular season by mid-September. Reduce the number of regular season games to 140. This would reduce mid-week games, and make MLB more of an event. I think MLB would be more competitive with football in Sept and Oct this way.
I like the thought. It would be tough to have every team play every team every year and still have plenty of division games. I really like expansion south to Mexico or the Dominican. I've talked about it in some previous videos. In the end it will all be about having enough talent to sustain the game
I say expand to 40 teams. Add 10 new teams because there are a lot of metros that have grown a lot in recent decades which aren't really getting their fair share of teams.
I'd do eight divisions with five teams per division.
NL East: NY Mets, Philadelphia, Montreal, Washington, Miami
NL South: Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Charlotte, Nashville
NL North: Cincinnati, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Pittsburgh
NL West: Arizona, LA Dodgers, San Diego, Colorado, San Francisco
AL East: NY Yankees, Boston, Baltimore, Toronto, Raleigh
AL North: Detroit, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, Kansas City, Cleveland
AL Southwest: Texas, Houston, LA Angels, Las Vegas, Austin
AL Northwest: Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento
I love the optimism. We are a long way away from 40, but I love it!
in the late 80s early 90s before we got the Rockies and Marlins there was talk the MLB was thinking of doing away with AL and NL and going with East vs West divisions and go with Regional Realignment that is said to be why they want to get the A's AND Rays stadiums dealt with first
@@havokan45 I'd like to see them keep the AL and NL, but this still feels possible. Thanks for the comment
Columbus, Ohio is big enough to support a team
@@DarrylKing-ur5km I think it is big enough. I just don't know about the support
Portland doesn't have the infrastructure or the space for an MLB stadium, and wouldn't have it by 2030.
They have plans to build on a golf course just outside the city
Nothing says South like Colorado and Utah...
When paired with Texas teams it works
There are already too many teams. Some teams can’t draw flies and should be disbanded. I love baseball but that’s just the way it is. Thank You.
@@richbursary9053 fair enough, but attendance has been solid across the league for 2 straight years (except Oakland of course) . It's not a sport that requires a huge attendance every game to make it work.
All divisions champions should get in the playoffs.
I agree with that. It's in there
I know expansion is inevitable but I am not a fan. Talent, especially pitching, is already too thin IMO.
That's fair. Although I think we actually have far more pitching talent then ever before. It's just being used in different ways with starters throwing less and more bullpen arms.
@@3up3down Pitchers are wimps these days. Quality start criteria is a joke. Pitch count is a joke too.
@@rufust.firefly4890 sorry I'm completely against this one. If pitchers were given the opportunity to consistently throw 90 mph like past generations they would be just as good. The body is not designed to consistently throw 100 mph, but to get paid that's becoming the requirement
I would hate seeing 8 divisions of 4 teams each. It would make divisional play almost irrelevant. The 4 divisions of 8 teams sounds much better and I like the idea of only 6 playoff teams in each league. Can't fault your picks for the teams but I would love to see the Expos come back...
I'd love the Expos back too. I prefer the 4 divisions, but if they go with 8 (I think they will) I hope there are more division games to keep it relevant
Cities that could have MLB teams: Salt Lake City, Portland, New Orleans, Dallas, Memphis, Albuquerque, Montreal, Vancouver.
@@commentedrelationship all possible in the future. I think the list is much shorter for the next round of expansion
I think MLB should look at the NHL 4 divisions top 2 gets in and 2 wc's.
I like the 4 division idea and top 2 in. I'm personally not a fan of the nhl playoff format. But that's just me. I appreciate thebideas and comment!
@@3up3down My other idea was just 2 divisions with top 3 with wild cards. Right now today having a third division doesn't matter if the winner doesn't crack the top 2.
@@rfe8nn2 2 divisions could get tough creating a balanced schedule. I think that would really increase potential travel. More divisions typically means less travel
@@3up3down True.
So, Pittsburgh is going to have trouble competing with the Phillies and Mets…the Braves go into a division with an expansion team and two teams that hate spending money…fix those 2 issues and you have a good alignment
I agree with the ability to compete, but I don't think that should be highly considered. Owners and management change so teams windows open and close
UK will eventually get a team.
That would be interesting. I do not know how you handle the travel dynamic. It also makes tv a challenge with the huge time difference. I lived for a year in the UK, and am skeptical of the support a team would get.
❤
Right now, there are 4 to many teams. There should be only 26 teams in MLB. because of lack of tallest.
I appreciate the comment, but have to agree to disagree. I think there is a huge amount of talent, but some us hidden in the minors due to playing time and to avoid service time
I remember when their were 10 teams in each league and no playoffs, just right to the WS.
@@rufust.firefly4890 money has certainly grown the game
What About San Juan, Puerto Rico ... Population is @ 3.2 Million plus for the whole island which is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. LOTS of latino fans and Still US Terrritory. Might help with secondary expansion to Mexico in the future I would also like to see Montreal... Also Vancouver, BC Canada metro area is @ 2.6 million (3rd largest metro area in Canada)
I completely agree that MLB should go to a place like Peurto Rico or the Dominican. I just don't see it happening this round of expansion. I hope it does come true some day
I miss the Montreal Expos!!
Same here!
It feels weird as a Rangers fan to lose the Mariners Angels and Athletics in one fell swoop… blowing up 50 years of rivalries in favor of a recent rivalry with Houston and a historic rivalry with the Royals… and the Rockies?!?
@@chrisofchris they are a tough one. If both new teams are in the east this may stay. I think geography will win out and that Texas to Seattle trip doesn't really fit either
@ my heart says no, but my head says you are correct.
@chrisofchris we will see. I think this Tampa stadium situation is an issue right now
Bring MLB to Raleigh!!!
@@gavinproduction7433 would Raleigh be better than Charlotte?
@@3up3down yes
@@gavinproduction7433 fair enough. Charlotte just seems to have a lot of business money
Ha ha ha! Your videos of what is supposed to be Salt Lake City look more like Vancouver... or maybe a city in Indonesia. Maybe double check your search results next time if you're relying on that for stock footage.
My apologies if they are incorrect. The videos were labelled with those cities and I have never been to them. In the end it's the information that counts
Colorado plays in the west, San Antonio in the south - Portland is not getting a team.
The question that keeps coming up is where to build a stadium in San Antonio. I don't know the area, but am told there is no good place and traffic is a nightmare
Buffalo should have a team.
Think they'll have to manage for now with the Bisons
We need a team in Montreal and Sacramento
Looks like you'll get the Sacramento team for a few years. Maybe with a good run it could attract expansion
If Charlotte can't get an expansion team they could always make a run at luring the White Sox away from Chicago.
@@davidkurvach3993 it makes sense in terms of connection to the team. I'm just not convinced Chicago will let the White Sox leave. Seeing a team leave your city looks like such a huge failure to the city.
Not buying the Tampa Rays stadium situation though.
It still has hurdles to be cleared for sure. If done right I think they deserve a chance to make it work