At the moment, the MLB stands at a nice and even 30 teams throughout the whole league. That could stand to change to at least 31 squads in the coming years.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller is heading up a group to bring an expansion MLB franchise to Salt Lake City. Miller’s group’s bid joins Nashville and Portland in lobbying efforts to get the league to add a new team into its pantheon.
The same report states there do not appear to be any immediate plans for expansion until the respective futures of the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are settled. Both organizations have struggled with attendance while seeking new stadiums. However, commissioner Rob Manfred has previously made it known he’d like to eventually reach 32 MLB franchises.
This expansion talk raised an interesting question for fans: Where do you want the league to bring professional baseball?
If MLB were to expand, which city should get a team? pic.twitter.com/DWNZquwrKj
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 12, 2023
While there were a lot of intriguing proposals here, they’re all wrong. All of them!
Salt Lake City? Pass.
Las Vegas? Been there, done that. (Plus, the Athletics might go there.)
Nashville? Sorry, wrong Tennessee city!
The MLB should consider adding a new expansion team first in New Orleans. I know it’s downright hot and muggy there through most of the summer months — but how is that any different from any warm-weather teams?
The city already has established a passionate following for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. Adding baseball to the summer schedule for one of the best cities in the United States is a no-brainer. Imagine being able to go to a baseball game in New Orleans before chilling out in the French Quarter at night.
Talk about a sports night in heaven. Make it happen, MLB!
