What happened: Jeff Passan identifies Salt Lake City, Nashville, Raleigh, Portland, Orlando and Montreal as the leading candidates. The bids differ on ownership, ballpark funding and control of a stadium site.
Why it matters: Adding two clubs would take MLB from 30 teams to 32, clearing a path for league-wide realignment. Expansion would also create two major-league rosters and additional affiliated minor-league jobs.
By the numbers: The candidate pool is three times the number of available franchises: five U.S. markets and one Canadian city.
What to watch: Ownership commitments, financing packages and stadium sites will shape the race when MLB formally opens the expansion process.