Michael Kay open to giving Rob Manfred's teased MLB realignment a shot: ‘Worth a try'
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned the idea of geographic realignment during ESPN's broadcast of the Little League Classic between the Mets and Mariners on Sunday and said that potential expansion would provide the opportunity for it.
Naturally, it sparked all sorts of reactions from baseball fans, including anger from some who would not want to see the National League and American League format baseball has used for more than a century go away.
Advertisement
However, Kay believed that the idea could pay off for the league, though he still expressed some hesitation.
Michael Kay discussed MLB's potential realignment during his radio show Aug. 18.
Screengrab via X/@ESPNNewYork
Advertisement
'This would be the biggest thing that Rob Manfred does other than if he can get a salary cap at the next collective bargaining agreement, Kay said on his ESPN radio show on Monday. 'So the sport that your kids are going to grow up watching, like my son Charlie, is going to be completely different from the one I grew up with. Completely different. Is it for the better?
'I think it could be for the better if they knock off interleague play. Because all of those rivalries that you dream about, they are in the same division now.'
Kay pointed out teams like the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers and Angels wouldn't need interleague play anymore because they would likely occupy the same division.
He also suggested that it could lead to a renewed interest in events like the All-Star Game.
Advertisement
Rob Manfred is pictured Aug. 1.
Imagn Images
'Maybe if you did that, the All-Star Game would mean something again. And more importantly, the World Series would mean something,' Kay added. 'Because that may be the first time that you face that team. It's worth a try. I'm not saying the game is broken, because you know I love the game. But you could tweak it a little bit, and it might make it a little bit better than what you love.'
Others have not been as open to the idea of realignment, which has included Mets broadcaster Howie Rose and former major leaguer Cameron Maybin.
Advertisement
Manfred's comments were vague on details on what a possible realignment would look like in baseball, but it'd mostly likely be based on geography.
Expansion would be the first step of the process, and to even get to that point, MLB is reportedly waiting for the Athletics and Rays stadium situations to be handled first.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Cincinnati Reds OF Jake Fraley claimed off waivers by Atlanta Braves
ANAHEIM, California – It didn't take long for Jake Fraley to find a new baseball home after the Cincinnati Reds designated him for assignment on Aug. 17. The Atlanta Braves claimed the outfielder off waivers, assuming the prorated remainder of Fraley's $3.13 million contract in the process. When the Reds made the DFA move, they said part of the rationale for the timing was allowing Fraley the chance to finish the season with another team that might have more playing time for him rather than sit on the Reds' bench. He had lost significant playing time since Miguel Andujar and Ke'Bryan Hayes were added at the trade deadline. "We just came to the idea of giving Jake a chance to go play where maybe he thinks he deserves to play – which I understand – is maybe better than him sitting on the bench here," manager Terry Francona said then. Fraley, one of four players acquired from Seattle in the March 2022 trade for Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker, hit .232 with six home runs and a .710 OPS in 67 games for the Reds this season. He hit .260 with 38 home runs, 49 stolen bases and a .757 OPS in 362 career games with the Reds. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Reds OF Jake Fraley claimed off waivers by Braves
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MLB Announces Historic Trevor Story Development Before Red Sox Game
MLB Announces Historic Trevor Story Development Before Red Sox Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With a 67–56 record entering Saturday, the Boston Red Sox are clinging on to the American League's second wild card spot as the postseason race heats up. A huge reason for the team's success since the All-Star break has been Trevor Story's impact on the field. The 32-year-old veteran is in his fourth season with the Red Sox, but it's his first fully healthy year of his tenure after dealing with numerous injuries. Story appeared in just 163 combined games from 2022–24 with Boston, making his six-year, $140 million contract look like a massive disappointment three years in. Story Rewriting Red Sox History With Perfect Stolen Base Streak However, Story has turned it around in 2025, finally living up to the expectations Boston had when they signed him. Early on Saturday, MLB announced that Story's successful stolen base streak of 21 straight to begin the season is the most by any Red Sox player in over 60 years. "Trevor Story's 21 straight successful steals to begin the year are the most by any @RedSox player in the Expansion Era (since 1961)." Story's Contract Finally Paying Off With Resurgent 2025 Season Story's success on the basepaths is a positive sign for Boston, as he seemingly looks to be fully healthy—something that's been the biggest concern throughout his career. He's been especially hot at the plate over the last two weeks, posting a .319 batting average and .810 OPS with three extra-base hits and 11 RBIs in 12 games. During Friday's walk-off win against the Miami Marlins, Story delivered the game-winning hit, driving in Roman Anthony and giving the Red Sox a 2–1 victory. Story began his ten-year career in 2016 with the Colorado Rockies and immediately tormented big-league pitchers, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He went on to earn two consecutive All-Star selections and Silver Slugger Awards in 2018 and 2019, along with being in NL MVP consideration. Boston saw his tenure with the Rockies and inked him to a massive contract—and their patience and investment have seemingly paid off as he attempts to help lead them to the postseason for the first time since 2021. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
8 minutes ago
- New York Post
MLB best bets: Yankees vs. Rays odds, prediction for Tuesday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. 'Dear Mr. Stitches. What is a 'hushpuppy?' Is it equivalent to a U.S. dollar, or is it one of many cryptocurrencies? If the latter is the case, it makes it difficult to assess your performance. Maybe that's your objective! Keep up the great humor and the terrible prognostication.' — Martin 'P-man' Hack Hey, we were down 1,040 pacmans, Mr. Hack. The long road to recovery has begun. Will we win all of our money back? Will Volodymyr Zelensky wear black when he visits the White House? The Yankees won twice for us this week. Is a three-peat possible? Has Mrs. Stitches watched every episode of 'The Gilded Age' at least twice? Carlos Rodón one-hit the Twins in his last start. Carlos Rodon starts Tuesday. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Tampa Bay's Shane Baz is 0-6 in his past eight starts. Let's go $50 on the Yankees (-125, bet365). Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting Our winning streak is at five! Paul Skenes left the game tied at 2-2. The first-place Blue Jays made three errors and the last-place Pirates pounced and bounced the Blue Birds, 5-2. Winner! Down -740 billmadlocks. Why Trust New York Post Betting The one and only Stitches has been handicapping baseball, daily, for the Post since 2019. Miraculously, he has finished in the black twice. But wait there's more. He showed his versatility by winning the Post's NFL Best Bet crown last year.
