Rob Manfred says Blue Jays near ‘top of the list' to host future MLB All-Star Game
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Speaking to media at the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the Blue Jays are 'perking up to the top of the list' to host a future All-Star week.
The Blue Jays' recent $400 million Rogers Centre renovation modernized the multi-purpose stadium, putting Toronto in contention to host a major baseball event. But a top factor working in the city's favour is the 34 years since the Jays last hosted, Manfred said.
'I've said before that a really significant factor in terms of All-Star Games is, when did you have the last one?' Manfred said. 'So you can figure out, kind of. It is not the sole determining factor, but it's a significant one. And obviously, I think Toronto was '91 I believe. Obviously they're kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time. I'd like to be back in Toronto.'
Joining a broadcast last season, Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro said the organization was working on bringing the All-Star Game back to Toronto. 'We're on the list,' Shapiro said at the time.
'I'm feeling optimistic on that one,' Shapiro added on the broadcast. 'I'm not exactly sure what the year will be.'
The Jays would likely host the showcase event in 2028, at the earliest. Philadelphia is set to host the 2026 All-Star Game and the Chicago Cubs are 'gaining momentum' to secure the 2027 event.
Many Blue Jays players flashed All-Star moments in recent years. Alek Manoah was the AL starting pitcher in 2021 in Los Angeles, six Toronto players earned All-Star honours in 2022 and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the Home Run Derby in Seattle in 2023. Guerrero declined to participate in this year's derby, but told Sportsnet he is sure to join if Toronto hosts in the future.
The Athletic's Evan Drellich contributed reporting.
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