The Future of MLB Expansion: Cities with the Best Potential
The Major League Baseball (MLB) may be on the verge of another expansion, with the league commissioner, Rob Manfred, expressing interest in several cities. This article explores the most likely candidates for expansion, considering demographics, economic conditions, and strategic factors.
Current Landscape and Future Prospects
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that expansion is a possibility following the completion of new ballparks for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. The potential for relocation has been discussed, with the A's considering a move to Las Vegas and the Rays potentially relocating to Montreal. Other cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Nashville, Tennessee, have also shown interest. San Antonio, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina, have been previously mentioned but lack the significant ownership groups that Portland, Nashville, and Montreal possess.
Expanding to Portland, Oregon
Why Portland? Portland is the most likely candidate for expansion, primarily due to its suitability as a baseball town. The city has a long history with minor league baseball, and there is a project to bring a professional team. Portland offers a perfect baseball environment with a vibrant sports culture, a growing and diverse population, and an effective transit network. A rivalry with the Seattle Mariners would enhance the city's appeal.
Challenges: Despite these advantages, Portland faces some challenges. A new stadium would be required, and it would likely need a retractable roof, adding to the expenses. Additionally, the city has increasingly become a reliable basketball market, making it more difficult for MLB to attract fans. Portland is also a progressive city where voters may be less inclined to fund public projects with public funds.
Moving to Las Vegas and Charlotte, North Carolina
Las Vegas: The gambling capital of the U.S. has shown interest in becoming an MLB city. The city's accessibility and growing population make it an attractive option. However, it faces the challenge of mandatory relocation away from Oakland, as well as the financial burden of building a new stadium that meets MLB's standards.
Charlotte: While Charlotte has been a long-standing candidate, it ranks lower than Portland due to several factors. The city's demographics and strong sports culture could make it a viable option for expansion. However, the East Coast is already crowded with MLB teams, and the last two expansion teams in the region have struggled with attendance. The Carolinas are also saturated with minor league and collegiate teams, which could potentially hurt the balance of MiLB.
Relocating to Montreal, Canada
Montreal: Despite past struggles, MLB has shown interest in returning to Montreal. The city's vibrant sports culture, young and growing population, and good transit network make it an attractive venue. However, the history of low attendance and the need for a new stadium with a retractable roof pose significant challenges. The weather in Montreal could also be a factor, as retractable roofs may be necessary to protect players and fans from harsh winters.
Relocation Over Expansion
Current Economic Conditions: The current economic landscape following the coronavirus pandemic has led to significant financial constraints on municipalities. However, as economic conditions improve, we can expect not only expansion but also relocation. This is particularly relevant for the Tampa Bay Rays, who despite recent successes, continue to struggle with attendance.
The Future: With the relaxation of economic pressures, the league is likely to see the return of both new teams and relocated teams. Teams such as MLB clubs currently based in Texas and possibly Cleveland (if the Cleveland Indians move to New Orleans) could become potential candidates for relocation or expansion.
Logistical Challenges: Teams relocating to unserved markets will face logistical challenges, including the need for new stadiums, funding, and travel logistics. For instance, a city like San Juan, despite being an interesting option, faces significant hurdles due to PR issues, economic constraints, and travel logistics.
Conclusion
The expansion and relocation of MLB teams are rapidly evolving. Portland, Oregon, stands out as the most likely candidate for expansion due to its favorable combination of affordability, demand, and existing infrastructure. While other cities like Las Vegas and Charlotte have their merits, they face significant challenges. As economic conditions improve, we can expect to see new and relocated teams.