MLB Realignment Pros and Cons: Impact, Benefits and Drawbacks

Major League Baseball stands on the edge of a transformation that could shake up everything fans know about the game. Commissioner Rob Manfred, who recently confirmed he’ll step down in January 2029, seems determined to use his final years to push for some of the boldest changes the sport’s seen in a century.

At the center of his plan? Expansion and a radical geographic realignment. He’s floated the idea of ending the traditional split between the American and National Leagues—a format that’s been the backbone of pro baseball for generations.

This ambitious proposal has definitely stirred up debate. It’s progress and modern market realities versus deep tradition and the sport’s long, tangled history.

Manfred’s Vision for MLB’s Future

Recently, Manfred laid out his vision for an expanded league. He’s talking about MLB growing beyond its current 30 teams.

But the real lightning rod is the idea of ditching the league distinction between the AL and NL in favor of a setup based on geography. This shift would change schedules, rivalries, and even the way fans experience the game at its core.

A Departure from 150 Years of Tradition

This proposal doesn’t just tweak baseball’s structure—it challenges its entire framework. The National League started in 1876, right after the Civil War, while the American League launched in 1901, back before the Wright brothers left the ground.

Together, these leagues have shaped the competitive and cultural DNA of Major League Baseball. The league split has defined everything from the World Series to those decades-old rivalries that keep fans coming back.

Plenty of critics see scrapping these leagues as a blow to baseball’s identity. They argue this isn’t just about structure—it’s about erasing a cultural touchstone that links generations of fans to the sport’s roots.

Fan and Expert Backlash

The reaction to Manfred’s announcement came fast, and people are split. Some folks see a chance to modernize MLB, improve competitive balance, and cut down on travel by grouping teams geographically.

They say change is necessary if baseball wants to keep up with fans’ expectations and the global sports marketplace. Maybe they’re right, but it’s a tough sell for everyone.

Why Critics Are Concerned

On the flip side, plenty of detractors worry about losing the historic rivalry framework the two leagues represent. It’s not just nostalgia talking—many fear the move would water down the uniqueness of interleague play, which only showed up in the late 1990s and used to feel like a real event.

Some of the main criticisms include:

• Loss of heritage: The American and National League brands carry 100+ years of history and meaning.
• Weakened rivalries: Long-standing matchups like Yankees–Red Sox or Dodgers–Giants could lose their historic flavor under a realignment.
• Alienating traditional fans: Older generations who value tradition might feel disconnected from a modernized format.

Balancing Progress with Respect for History

Manfred’s push for modernization comes as MLB is already making changes like the pitch clock, shift restrictions, and expanded playoffs. Expansion and geographic realignment would take things even further, creating a permanent and very visible shift in the sport’s foundation.

What Could the Future Hold?

If MLB actually puts this new system in place, we might see some wild new rivalries pop up. There’s a decent chance it could spark fresh excitement in places where baseball hasn’t always grabbed the spotlight.

Some folks argue MLB has to shake things up if it wants to survive. The sports world is crowded—NFL, NBA, even global soccer are all fighting for attention. But honestly, you have to wonder—is it worth the risk?

Baseball’s soul, for a lot of people, lives in its roots. Generations have shared legends, records, and old grudges. Changing the structure too much? That might snap the thread tying it all together.

With Manfred set to leave in 2029, the next few years could shape not just his reputation, but the entire future of Major League Baseball. The choices ahead feel weighty.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The pluses, minuses and stark reality of a looming MLB realignment