MLB commissioner Rob Manfred plans to step down in 2029 and has proposed potential expansion and geographic realignment that could eliminate the traditional American and National Leagues, sparking concern over the sport's historical roots.
The Mets are not focused on MLB's ongoing discussions about geographic realignment and expansion, which could involve adding two new teams and expanding to 32 franchises, potentially affecting scheduling and postseason formats.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred proposed a radical realignment of the league, potentially ending the traditional American and National League format, to include geographic restructuring and expansion into new markets like Nashville and Portland. The idea has faced strong opposition from baseball traditionalists and concerns over disrupting rivalries and playoff balance, with the plan still in early conceptual stages.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred hinted at significant changes to the league's structure, including potential expansion to new cities like Portland and Nashville, and a possible geographic realignment of divisions, which could dramatically alter the traditional American and National League formats.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that if the league expands, it will likely undergo geographic realignment to reduce travel and improve postseason appeal, potentially leading to a division structure similar to the NHL or NFL. The league has not expanded since 1998, but candidates like Nashville and Salt Lake City are considered for future expansion, which could increase teams to 32 and prompt a divisional reorganization.
Dan Patrick criticized Bryce Harper for his unprofessional reaction during a confrontation with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, calling it embarrassing and disappointing, especially given the context of ongoing discussions about implementing a salary cap in Major League Baseball.
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly confronted MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during a team meeting, telling him to leave the clubhouse after Manfred discussed the league's financial health and the potential push for a salary cap, leading to an intense exchange that was confirmed by teammate Nick Castellanos.
The Red Sox had a less contentious meeting with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred shortly after a heated confrontation between Harper and Manfred over the potential implementation of a salary cap, highlighting ongoing tensions between league management and players amid discussions of future negotiations and league growth.
Bryce Harper reportedly confronted MLB commissioner Rob Manfred over the potential implementation of a salary cap, emphasizing his opposition to it and highlighting concerns about its impact on players' rights, amid ongoing negotiations and tensions between MLB owners and players' union.
Bryce Harper had a heated confrontation with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during a meeting, expressing strong opposition to the potential implementation of a salary cap in baseball, highlighting ongoing tensions between players and league management over economic issues and labor negotiations.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and Phillies star Bryce Harper had a heated verbal confrontation in the Phillies clubhouse during Manfred's team tour, with Harper strongly criticizing the commissioner and using profanity, leading to a brief exchange before continuing the meeting for about an hour.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred explained that the decision to return the All-Star Game to Atlanta was based on the city's strong support, interest, and facilities, despite previous political controversies related to voting laws that led to the game's relocation in 2021. The game is now scheduled for 2025, marking Atlanta's third time hosting.
MLB is testing the Automated Ball-Strike System at the 2025 All-Star Game as a step towards implementing it across the league by 2026, aiming to improve call accuracy while preserving umpire roles, and rejecting the term 'robot umpires.'
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that he considered Donald Trump's support when deciding to interpret MLB's ban on Pete Rose as ending with death, allowing Rose to be considered for the Hall of Fame. The article also discusses upcoming technological changes in umpiring, potential Olympic participation, salary cap discussions, broadcasting negotiations, and other league updates.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred defends the decision to reinstate Pete Rose from the league’s ineligible list, citing reasons such as the list being a ban on working in baseball, Rose's historical significance, and the league's original settlement agreement that allowed Hall of Fame consideration. The decision has sparked debate, with Rose's Hall of Fame eligibility next considered in 2027.