MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted that if expansion takes place in the near future, the league will likely realign teams based on geography to reduce travel wear and tear on players. If expansion happens, the league could consider dividing its teams into more divisions or adopting a schedule similar to the one used during the 2020 season when teams only played division rivals and interleague games against corresponding division opponents.
Manfred did not provide details on what realignment would look like, but he emphasized the importance of geographically close teams playing more games against each other. This approach could also make the postseason format more appealing for television broadcasts and fans. The commissioner mentioned that the owners believe there is demand for MLB expansion and have opportunities to create a new schedule that benefits both teams and viewers.
Manfred’s comments are reminiscent of the league’s geographically-based realignment idea during the 2020 season, when divisions were reduced due to the pandemic. The NFL and NHL also divide their leagues into conferences with similar divisional structures. If expansion does happen, it is likely to necessitate some form of realignment.
Source: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/rob-manfred-hints-realignment-might-take-place-mlb-undergoes-expansion