6 hours ago
10 best potential cities for MLB expansion teams
The buzz in MLB is that expansion is on the horizon. Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated it is time for more franchises to join the current 30. Which cities should be on the radar for expansion franchises? This is going to be an intriguing decision-making process, as building an MLB franchise from the ground up is a challenge. What will the criteria be for determining how MLB decides where it wants to grow? Will it be cities that have strong minor league followings?
To join the baseball expansion fun, here are our 10 spots that would best fit MLB expansion….
Nashville, Tennessee
The city is a hotbed for sports and already has the Sounds, a minor league team that draws healthy crowds. This is a location that can draw from many surrounding areas and sets up as a sweet spot for MLB to grow. Honorary ambassador: Todd Helton, although a lifetime Rockie, he played and starred in college baseball at Tennessee. Odds: 8 of 10
Montreal, Canada
Goes without saying that Montreal deserves another shot at baseball. The Expos' legacy has never stopped and this would be a great way to show that the city in Quebec can and will support an MLB franchise. Honorary ambassador: Youppi! Odds: 7 of 10
Portland, Oregon
All one has to do is see how beloved the Portland Pickles have become to recognize this is a perfect spot for an MLB franchise. There is a built-in audience and the marketing folks can simply feed off the brilliant promotions and events that the Great West League team has created. A natural spot. Honorary ambassador: Dillon the Pickles' mascot gets called to the bigs. Odds: 9 of 10
Charlotte/Raleigh, North Carolina
Charlotte and its nearby cities have become a sports hotbed. Football, baseball, hockey all are thriving in this North Carolina city. It is a strong fit to add a baseball franchise to a city that is growing and continues to create a sports buzz. Honorary Ambassador, former Minor League Baseball player Michael Jordan. Odds: 8 of 10
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has picked up sports steam by adding an NHL franchise to go with the Jazz. While it doesn't seem to be a destination the NFL would be interested in, this sports hotbed would be a great spot to add an MLB team. Honorary, Ambassador: Danny Ainge Odds: 7 of 10
Austin, Texas
The folks in Austin lover their sports. While it would be difficult to compete with the Longhorns' football team, there is plenty of room and time to avoid going head-to-head with the handful of Saturdays UT is home. The Texas baseball team is also beloved. Honorary, Ambassador: Any recruit UT wants as part of an NIL deal. Odds: 5 of 10
San Antonio, Texas
Texas is big enough for three MLB teams. So, if it comes down to Austin or San Antonio, it could be a tough choice. San Antonio has a larger population by around 600,000. It also isn't dependent on a student body that will comes and go during the summer. Honorary, Ambassador: Victor Wembanyama. Odds: 8 out of 10
Boise, Idaho
Boise already has Blitz the T dog, who could add bat dog to his roles. Imagine how cool it would be if the folks in Boise decided to keep the theme and play on a blue field. MLB would probably recoil at the idea. Honorary, ambassador: Rich Hill, who began his career with the Boise Hawks. He probably still will be pitching when these franchises begin. Odds: 2 of 10
New England Metro, Mass./R.I.
Put another team in Boston and base it around Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. That is a sound plan and given how devoted the folks in Boston are to their teams a love affair would quickly start. Honorary, ambassador: Green Day alternate band the Foxboro Hot Tubs Odds: 4 of 10
Vancouver, Canada
If Portland isn't chosen, the Northwest could handle another team. Vancouver would be a option but far behind placing a team in Montreal. Honorary, ambassador: Larry Walker Odds: 2 of 10
