Historically, MLB has been looking to expand its territorial presence to markets that can increase baseball’s popularity, with Mexico City being one of the prime locations MLB has focused on in recent years.
There have been three expansions in MLB, but the possibility of adding a pair of teams to implement a 32-team format, similar to the NFL, is a topic that has been considered among league executives.
Mexico City: A Potential Market for an MLB Franchise?
Andy Dolich, a retired executive who worked with the Oakland Athletics, confirmed that Mexico City is one of the most realistic options for MLB expansion due to its high population density and the Latin influence on baseball.
“My two nominations would be Mexico City and Oakland… 21 million people, there’s a market, and we announce Fernando Valenzuela as the franchise president, I’m in.”
Despite concerns about the area’s altitude, Mexico City stands out as one of MLB’s most attractive markets, as few U.S. cities can compare to what Mexico’s capital offers.
A significant concern is the economic disparity between Mexico and the United States. The difference in quality of life and average income between the two countries could pose a challenge for MLB.
