Major League Baseball’s expansion plans are taking shape, with Rob Manfred recently discussing a proposed four-team division featuring the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox. This powerhouse quartet would boast the second- to fourth-highest payrolls in MLB, making it one of the most formidable divisions in the sport.
The idea is that two new teams – possibly Charlotte, Nashville, or Portland – will join the league, bringing the total to 32 teams. The proposed division would create an NFL-like setup with eight divisions featuring four teams each. Manfred believes this change could help reduce travel wear and tear on players, while also making the postseason format more appealing for broadcasting partners.
This new alignment would significantly increase the competitiveness of the East divisions, eliminating the need to play against weaker teams. The Yankees, Mets, and Phillies have historically been top spenders in MLB, increasing their chances of contending annually. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are expected to remain strong despite recent lean years.
However, the proposed division raises concerns for team owners, who may be hesitant to participate due to potential revenue losses from reduced postseason earnings. Playing most games against these teams could prove lucrative, but it also means missing opportunities to gain an edge over weaker opponents.
Ultimately, cash will drive decision-making in this process, with the four-team division likely to dominate discussions among MLB’s top teams.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/08/19/sports/how-proposed-mlb-realignment-would-work-against-yankees-mets