The biggest MLB story this week has to do with the Tampa Bay Rays not being allowed to split their season between Florida and Montreal.
The plan was a bit ludicrous from the start and MLB shut it down before it could gain much traction.
But what it does is start the talk of new cities that could land an MLB franchise.
Rays ownership is clearly not happy in St. Petersburg and is looking for other options.
So it’s possible the Rays are the next team to move once their lease is up following the 2027 season.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale has revealed the top two cities that will land a new MLB team, whether that is via expansion or a team moving.
Nashville and Montreal are #MLB's top two expansion sites.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 20, 2022
Baseball fans in Nashville and Montreal can start getting excited.
Top MLB Expansion Spots
Montreal remains the obvious spot and that explains why the Rays were considering splitting their season there.
The Expos were a fixture in the city from 1968 to 2004, but were unfortunately derailed by the 1994 strike that canceled the postseason and the World Series.
Everything went downhill from there over the next decade.
Yet there are decades of MLB history in the city and that means an expansion club should be heading back as soon as possible.
Nashville is an interesting choice and the city already has a Triple-A team in the Nashville Sounds.
Mr. Sternberg, we’d be more than happy to introduce you to our billionaire, preferred stadium location and team. We’re ready to show you and your team what Southern Hospitality is all about. Say when. @RaysBaseball #MLB https://t.co/XpdwapEASB
— MLBNashville (@MLBNashville) January 20, 2022
Those conducting research just have to make sure there is enough demand in a city that lacks past MLB experience.
The same is true for cities like Portland, Las Vegas, and Charlotte, which have all shown up in expansion talks.
Expansion is exciting and means more baseball around the country.
The league just has to get back to work in the present before making any other major decisions.
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