We should probably have an Expansion Thread

[Bertz]

And this great article from Jeff Passan is probably a good place to start

https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/39533275/mlb-expansion-32-teams-line-cities-nashville-montreal-portland-salt-lake-city-orlando-charlotte

Some highlights:

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Expansion, those sources said, is not imminent -- and in fact is unlikely to happen until the early 2030s. Creating a franchise out of nothing takes time, and expansion isn't MLB's immediate priority, either -- not amid the fallout from the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, the company that owned local television rights to 14 teams, the unsettled status of the Rays' attempt to build a new stadium and the Oakland A's attempt to abscond to Las Vegas. Not to mention the new collective bargaining agreement to be negotiated after the current one expires in 2026, too.

 

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When that eventuality plays out, sources said, it is expected to include one team situated in the East and another in the West, paving the way for realignment that could radically alter the game. If Manfred truly does announce the cities in the next five years -- and though there are more than a half-dozen contenders, two cities have emerged as favorites -- it will be a decision that ranks among the most consequential in the game's recent history.

 

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FOR ALL OF their differences culturally, spiritually and historically, Nashville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City share plenty in common. Nashville is the 26th-biggest media market in the United States; Salt Lake City is the 27th. Both regularly rank among the United States' fastest-growing cities. And both have positioned themselves to be at the front of the line when MLB finally decides to expand.

 

Quote

 

Although MLB has the right to expand, the MLB Players Association must approve a panoply of items integral to the addition of new teams. Among the items that could be on the docket following the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement following the 2026 season: the mechanics of an expansion draft, the rights of players who eventually are selected in one and the structure of building up a minor league system.

With a signed collective bargaining agreement in hand, the process would accelerate, impediments removed. Owners would choose the expansion cities. Shovels would meet dirt. And within three to four years, new stadiums would be erected and a brand-new landscape would reveal itself.

 

 

[UMFan83]

It's interesting that SLC is a preferred option.  Last I read they were concerned at the Great Salt Lake was going to dry up in 5-7 years and arsenic found in the soil was then going to blow through the city endangering its residents.  I'm assuming its not a big issue if they are going to strongly consider awarding an expansion team there.

[wekse]

Let's go Nashville! Would love to have a MLB club here, and I know there is a strong group leading the way to make this happen.

 

https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/

[Tim]

1 hour ago, wekse said:

Let's go Nashville! Would love to have a MLB club here, and I know there is a strong group leading the way to make this happen.

 

https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/

I'd prefer to put on in Memphis just to piss off St Louis

[Brian707]

2 hours ago, wekse said:

Let's go Nashville! Would love to have a MLB club here, and I know there is a strong group leading the way to make this happen.

 

https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/

White Sox might move there. Just depends if you count them as a MLB club