What happened: ESPN published a breakdown of candidates for MLB's next expansion teams. The discussion arrives as stadium uncertainty surrounding the Rays and A's has eased.
Why it matters: Expansion is increasingly framed as a question of which markets will be chosen and when. New clubs would eventually reshape MLB's alignment and scheduling.
By the numbers: Six cities were discussed: Montreal, Nashville, Portland, Salt Lake City, Raleigh and Orlando.
What to watch: The next marker is a formal league process after the CBA is settled. Stadium and ownership developments remain key in the candidate markets.