MLB is structured differently from the NBA and NHL when it comes to divisions. MLB has two leagues — the AL and NL. The NBA, by contrast, is divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. Now, imagine MLB has a same East-West division structure. That would create a super division itself on the East side with the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox battling in the same group. Unbelievable, right? Not for MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Since taking over in 2015, the 66-year-old has implemented numerous significant changes to the game of baseball. These include the pitch clock, which has sped up the pace of play, as well as limits on mound visits and an increase in the size of the bases. The league also added the “Manfred Man,” or the automatic runner on second base to start extra innings during the regular season, under his leadership. This time, he has acknowledged the possibility of shaking the league’s structure.

During ESPN broadcast of Sunday’s Little League Classic game between Mets and Mariners, Manfred talked about a similar monumental change that could shake up all 30 MLB teams.

“I think if we expand it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign,” Manfred said. “I think we could save a lot of wear and tear on our players in terms of travel. I think our postseason format would be even more appealing for entities like ESPN because you’d be playing out of the East, out of the West, and that 10 o’clock where we sometimes get Boston-Anaheim would be two West Coast teams. That 10 o’clock slot that’s a problem for us sometimes becomes a real opportunity for our West Coast audience.”

Manfred further added, “I think the owners realize there’s demand for MLB in a lot of great cities, and we have an opportunity to do something good around that expansion process.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred previously stated in 2024 that his goal is to “have a process in place” for MLB expansion to 32 teams by the time his contract expires in 2029.

This would mark the first expansion in nearly 30 years, since the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays joined the league in 1998. While both Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nashville, Tennessee, are considered frontrunners for new teams, expansion is not expected to move forward until the ongoing stadium issues for the Athletics and Rays are resolved.

Even floating the idea was enough to spark fan backlash.

Fans are calling out Rob Manfred

“I was just thinking about how the Yankees and Mets will be in the same division,” one fan commented.

For one, the Subway Series will no longer be an exhibition. So, with teams playing more games against geographically closer opponents, legacy rivalries will be more frequent. Second, East Coast fans will not need to stay up for those late 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) West Coast games. And finally, a better proposition for the broadcasters. So, monetary benefits! “It’s not about wear and tear on the players, it’s about money,” highlighted one user.

Well, changes come slowly in baseball because initially players and fans place more emphasis on the game’s traditional roots. Remember, the annual players’ poll by the New York Times this year revealed a shocking 63.4% players against the Robot Umpire. And only 17.1 percent were in favor.

“Rob Manfred’s next idea to kill baseball,” one fan directly charged at the MLB commissioner. “Manfred will stop at nothing to destroy the sport,” another added.

In fact, realigning divisions would be a major benefit of MLB expansion. The current setup often forces teams to travel long distances for divisional games, but adding new franchises in geographically strategic locations would make travel more efficient. For instance, a new team in Nashville would provide a convenient rival for southern teams, reducing the need for cross-country flights. Similarly, new teams in cities like Salt Lake City would allow the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies to save significant travel time.

A few baseball fans are enthusiast with the idea. “One of the few changes I would be happy about,” a rare positive reaction from one fan. “This is what we should want tbh,” added another.

Commissioner Manfred also discussed realigning the postseason to be more regional. This would eliminate the burden of teams having to make multiple cross-country flights within the same week, a scenario that played out for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets during their six-game NLCS last year.

Nevertheless, it’s still under consideration, and no timeline has been shared. However, if done, then MLB would witness one of the biggest evolutions in its history.