• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Ohtani, A’s, and Expansion Headline MLB’s Biggest Questions

  • Shohei Ohtani could leave the Angels and become baseball’s first $500 million player.
  • The A’s and Rays are both potentially looking for new homes.
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

As we enter the 2023 season, the baseball world faces some major questions.

Where will Ohtani play next year?

After lighting up the World Baseball Classic, Shohei Ohtani — the newly crowned highest earner in MLB — is the envy of every team in MLB. The Japanese two-way phenom will make $30 million this season from his record-setting arbitration deal and is becoming increasingly likely to be baseball’s first $500 million player.

Ohtani has prioritized winning, and his Angels haven’t been able to get him to the postseason even once. Should he hit the open market, the New York Yankees and Mets, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies are all likely to check in.

Where will the A’s and Rays play next year?

The A’s lease expires after the 2024 season, and they will soon have to start building a new ballpark to be ready for 2025. The team seems to be leaning toward staying in Oakland if they can get an acceptable deal from the city and develop a $12 billion stadium and surrounding neighborhood by the waterfront — but Las Vegas is an appealing Plan B.

As for the Rays, all signs point toward staying in St. Petersburg, though the team still has to hammer out a deal with the city.

Texas Rangers pitcher Dominic Leone (45) starts his windup with two seconds left on the new MLB pitch clock

MLB Enacts Biggest Rule Changes in a Generation

MLB hopes its new rules will attract younger fans.
March 29, 2023

Where will MLB expand?

MLB has signaled that it will add two new teams once the A’s and Rays’ stadium situations are settled. The guess here is that the league is headed for Las Vegas and Nashville, where a group including retired MLB pitcher Dave Stewart is working toward an expansion team.

Should the A’s move to Las Vegas, any number of cities could bid for a franchise, with Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, and Mexico City often mentioned.

The question of if/when the Washington Nationals would be sold was apparently answered Wednesday, as the process is reportedly being put on hold through the 2023 season due to a dispute between the franchise and regional sports network MASN.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Cup Courts Receive Mixed Reviews in Year 2 Debut

All 30 teams have special courts for the tournament games.

NHL’s Smallest-Market Team Is Breaking Records, Securing Its Future

Both wins and attendance are way up for the often-overlooked NHL franchise.

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.

DSG Introduces NBA, NHL Single-Game Streaming Despite Bankruptcy

The regional sports network operator introduces single-game view options for its NBA and NHL teams.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Jerry Jones Holding the Cowboys Back?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

Joey Logano Defends NASCAR Playoffs As League Reviews Format

Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Championship on Sunday.
November 13, 2024

PLL Launches New Women’s Lacrosse League With 6-on-6 Format

The league will begin with a two-week tournament in February.
November 13, 2024

Caitlin Clark Draws Huge Early-Morning Crowds at LPGA Event

Golf Channel aired Clark’s 18th hole live, after moving up its studio show.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Napheesa Collier
November 13, 2024

Unrivaled Leaning In to TNT Deal With 850-Capacity Arena

The facility will have training, childcare, and content areas.
November 12, 2024

NBA In-Season Tournament Returns: New Name, Fresh Look, Bigger Payout

The league’s in-season tournament is back with a new name and a slightly raised top prize.
November 11, 2024

The Caitlin Clark Show Is Hitting the LPGA Tour in a Big..

The WNBA star is playing in an LPGA pro-am this week.
November 10, 2024

Goodell: NFL Eyeing 8 International Games In 6 Countries Next Season

The Giants-Panthers game in Germany concludes the NFL’s five-game 2024 international slate