Bruce Dias 
The landscape of MLB is constantly evolving, with teams adjusting to new market realities, fan bases, and financial opportunities. The impending relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas serves as a prime example. After years of contending with the limitations of the aging Oakland Coliseum, the As have finally received the green light from the powers that be within the league to make their move to Las Vegas by the 2028 season.
If that wasn’t enough, Sin City has ordered the construction of a brand spanking new 33,000 capacity ballpark, costing a whopping $1.5bn. The stadium will be the most expensive ever constructed for the sport of baseball and the fourth most expensive of all time, only behind Los Angeles’ SoFI Stadium, fellow Vegas structure Allegiant Stadium, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The amphitheater will be built on the site of the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, which is due to be demolished within the coming weeks.
So, with the Athletics set to experience a new lease of life as a franchise, other owners within the league will surely be thinking about what better options are out there for them in the Land of the Free. Here are three teams that may well be considering their options over the next decade or so.
Tampa Bay Rays
The conversation around the relocation of the Tampa Bay Rays has been ongoing, primarily due to the challenges associated with obtaining a new stadium within the city limits. The team’s current abode, Tropicana Field, has been widely critiqued for its antiquated facilities and less-than-ideal location. However, the Trop did recently host the WWE Royal Rumble back in January, earning a makeover and a new lick of paint in the process.
Despite that, however, dwindling attendance could still be Tampa’s downfall. The Floridians reached the World Series back in 2020, but the playoffs were played behind closed doors due to global events. As such, their loyal home faithful could only watch on their TV sets as they were downed four games to one by the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the years since that heartbreak, the Rays have seen their attendance rise from an average of just over 14,000 prior to the championship series to 17,000 post it. Whether that is enough to keep the Rays in their home of the last 26 years, however, remains to be seen.
When it comes to potential new homes, Montreal stands out as a leading contender. The City of Saints has a rich baseball history, with the Expos famously playing there for 35 years between 1969 and 2004, and there is a strong desire to welcome top-flight baseball once again. Nashville, too, enters the fray as an attractive option, with its burgeoning interest in the sport and the necessary infrastructure to support an elite franchise.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ public disputes over Chase Field’s condition and the future of their stadium have fueled speculation about possible relocation. The concerns surrounding the state of the stadium and the financial implications of renovations or constructing a new venue might drive the franchise to explore other locales. Last season, though, those fears were a distant memory as the Phoenix-based outfit embarked on a fairytale-like run to the World Series.
The D-backs didn’t really set the world alight in the regular season, winning 84 games and losing 78, but that was enough to secure them a spot in the playoffs for the first time in six years as the National League’s sixth seeds. And getting a foot in the door was all they needed. Once the postseason got underway, they swept the Milwaukee Brewers and the heavyweight Dodgers, a result that shook the MLB to its core. They then beat the Philadelphia Phillies in a seven-game thriller, securing them a spot in the World Series for the first time since they left the famous giant trophy back in 2001.
Unfortunately for them, the Texas Rangers were in the midst of a Cinderella run of their own, and it was they who lifted the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Now, MLB betting lines and futures providers make Arizona +3500 outsiders, while the reigning champion Rangers are +1300 contenders. That may trigger them to look away from the Grand Canyon State in order to continue their growth.
New Orleans offers a unique cultural option, with a fervent sports fan base, but lacks an MLB presence, making it a potential relocation city. Salt Lake City could also come into consideration, providing a solid local support base and expanding MLB’s footprint in the mountain west.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians find themselves facing dwindling attendance numbers and revenue shortfalls in recent years. Despite having a loyal fan base – as one might expect in the boisterous state of Ohio – the limited market size and financial constraints could push the franchise to contemplate relocation as a strategy for ensuring its future sustainability. But just like the aforementioned Tampa, the City of Light may also have found itself a lifeline.
The Guardians went eight years without a postseason series victory between 2008 and 2015, reaching the playoffs just once in that time frame. Since then, however, they have reached the World Series – albeit in a losing effort against the Chicago Cubs in 2016 – and have missed out on the playoffs just once.
Should their current form desert them then there are a plethora of options available to owner Lawrence Dolan. Charlotte, North Carolina, emerges as a compelling choice, boasting a vibrant sports culture yet lacking an MLB team. Portland is another city with aspirations of hosting top-tier baseball and already has the backing of groups actively working to make it a reality.
