MLB podcaster warns die-hard baseball fans about potential perils of new schedule - "Some will stay some will go"

Around the turn of the century, MLB made its most recent decision to grow the league. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Arizona Diamondbacks changed the dynamics of any league division in baseball, but the idea of the American and National Leagues remained firm. In 1998, the league opted to add two more teams to the current 28 teams, bringing the total to 30.

In recent years, expansion has been put on hold as league officials concentrate on the Rays' and Oakland Athletics' bids for new venues. It is unclear where either of those clubs will play in the future, but it is clear that regardless of their conclusion, baseball will continue to expand.

The rumored expansion could result in the American and National leagues being abandoned for another format. As "Starting 9" MLB podcaster Kyle Gelling succinctly put it:

"All those rivalries that you liked growing up? Some will stay, some will go."

"MLB Planning on expansion, changing divisions, the end of the AL and NL? That’s what Jim Bowden thinks" - Starting9

A $2 billion expansion franchise fee would represent a large infusion of wealth for the 30 current owners. Baseball teams are significantly more valuable than NHL franchises, despite the fact that the NHL's Seattle franchise paid a $750 million expansion fee in 2021. The league will undoubtedly pay a ten-figure expansion fee.

"With MLB expansion possible over the next several years, one idea from TheAthletic has the American & National Leagues being replaced by Eastern & Western Conferences with the Mets, Yankees, Phillies, and Red Sox ending up in the same division" - SNY_Mets

MLB is set for a major change in the coming years

The addition of 52 MLB active roster places and 80 40-man roster spots would benefit the players if the league expanded to 32 teams. Additionally, it entails more chances and affiliations in the minor leagues.

As the league has grown, offense has briefly risen due to a dwindling pool of pitching talent before leveling off. To support 32 teams, there is more than enough skill.

"When MLB expands to 32 teams, it should forget the AL and NL. Embrace a dramatic geographic realignment" - TheAthletic

The expansion could include cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, Portland, Oregon, Orlando, Florida, as well as Austin, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, there's a chance that the expansion could bring the sport back to Montreal, especially in light of the failure of the Rays' split-city proposal.

Expect Rob Manfred and team owners to put the price tag at a minimum of $2 billion whenever the league expansion eventually occurs. In addition to growing the sport, it will boost league revenue and raise franchise valuations.