What happened: MLB wants to grow from 30 to 32 teams, adding one western and one eastern franchise. ESPN's Jeff Passan considers Salt Lake City the strongest candidate. [KSL](https://www.ksl.com/article/51621431/utahs-mlb-pitch-is-by-far-the-most-advanced-potential-bid-leading-insider-says)

Why it matters: Expansion would bring additional major league roster opportunities and extend the league's reach into two more markets. The push also puts MLB's long-term growth ambitions alongside this offseason's labor negotiations.

What to watch: Watch for concrete expansion terms in labor negotiations and formal decisions on candidate cities.