For decades, Major League Baseball has maintained a structure of 30 teams split evenly between two leagues: the American and National, each with three divisions—East, Central, and West—a system in place since 2013. However, despite its balanced appearance, the format isn’t without flaws. Teams like the Houston Astros in the AL West endure taxing cross-country trips, while New York’s Mets and Yankees, despite sharing a city, play in different leagues and divisions.
In 1997, then-commissioner Bud Selig floated a plan for geographic realignment, though it ultimately went nowhere. Now, current commissioner Rob Manfred has revived the conversation, linking it to possible league expansion. As he bluntly put it, “I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign.”
Manfred’s argument is twofold: reducing player travel fatigue and making the postseason “more appealing for entities like ESPN.”
His remarks immediately sparked speculation: Could MLB move to an NBA-style East-West model? Would the separate AL and NL, steeped in over a century of tradition, become relics of the past?
Now, a 2023 proposal from analyst Jim Bowden has resurfaced and become a lightning rod for debate. Bowden’s blueprint would see the league expand to 32 teams, adding Nashville and Charlotte. The 32 clubs would then be split into Eastern and Western Conferences, each with four, four-team divisions—mirroring the NFL’s post-2002 format.
Here are Jim Bowden proposed realignment
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/l0xLhvgfAQ
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) August 18, 2025
Bowden’s realignment would group the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies into a new “East” division—placing four of baseball’s largest markets in direct competition. Supporters claim this would create compelling drama and maximize media appeal. Critics, however, warn it could undermine the league’s parity and erase beloved rivalries.
Don’t erase our history
The most immediate reaction was backlash. “This is so stupid. MLB is not the NBA. There is history and tradition with the AL & NL. There is history & tradition with division rivals. This would kill all of it. @MLB listen to your fans for once…no one wants this,” wrote a fan. The AL and NL are nostalgia. They were competing even before the World Series began in 1903. MLB saw over 71 million fans in 2024, its highest attendance in seven years. Then why these changes?
Other fans pointed flaw in the logic: “So you keep Yankees-Red Sox, but split Cubs-Cardinals, Dodgers-Giants, etc. No thanks. I get the idea of realignment, but you have to keep some of these rivalries.” The Dodgers and Giants rivalry is so intense that it led to a fight where pitcher Juan Marichal attacked a catcher with a bat in 1965. And there is the iconic Cubs and Cardinals rivalry, where moments like the 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa immortalized the game. And one can’t discard these stories.
Fans also analyzed the plan from a competitive point of view. “Unserious division,” wrote a fan.
unserious division pic.twitter.com/Lx2dxCAv0O
— Justin (@reldrago) August 18, 2025
The Colorado Rockies have a 156-293 record since 2023. The Athletics are hovering well below .500. The Giants have been stuck as a mediocre team for years. Grouping these teams with the only contender Mariners, can’t be justified.
But not every fan is against the idea. “I like it. The more they can emulate the NFL and their rivalries the better. MLB is a regional game, go all in on that,” a comment read.
However, another fan argued the proposal is dead because of one simple reason:“If anyone thinks the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, or Phillies would ever agree to this, you are insane.”
What’s your take on this proposal?
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