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.

The Houston Astros could stay in the American League or move into a new conference in two proposed MLB realignments.