Manfred has also stated that he would like the expansion to be decided before he leaves his role in 2029. His choice to discuss this topic on a national broadcast during the LLWS highlights that this issue continues to be a major goal of his remaining time as commissioner.

That’s news when the commissioner says it publicly, but impending realignment has not been a closely guarded secret. Expanding to 32 clubs would necessitate some reshuffling, the most likely of which would be moving to eight divisions of four teams apiece.