Rob Manfred just cracked the door wide open for the first MLB expansion in a generation. And for the Atlanta Braves, the ripple effects could be massive.
On Sunday night, the commissioner once again floated the idea of adding two new franchises. If and when it happens, it’ll be the first expansion since 1998, when the Diamondbacks and (then) Devil Rays came into existence. That’s over 30 years — the longest drought since the expansion era began in 1961.
Braves Country in the Crosshairs
Here’s where it gets interesting: some of the loudest candidates for expansion aren’t far-flung West Coast cities. They’re right in the Braves’ backyard.
Nashville and Charlotte have both been heavily mentioned as prime landing spots. Orlando and Raleigh-Durham are also in the conversation, though a third Florida team feels like a stretch.
Outside of the Southeast? Cities like Portland, Salt Lake City, Montreal, Vancouver, and San Antonio remain in the mix.
But if expansion lands in Braves Country? We could be looking at a complete shakeup of the division map. Manfred has even hinted at geographical realignment into eight four-team divisions — less travel, more regional rivalries, and potentially revamped playoffs.
Scenario 1: Two Neighbors Move In
Say MLB goes all-in on the Southeast. If Nashville and Charlotte both land teams, the Braves could suddenly find themselves in a division with Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami.
If it’s Nashville and Raleigh-Durham instead, then the Braves might run with Nashville, Tampa, and Miami. At the same time, the new North Carolina squad links up with Washington, Baltimore, and Philly or Pittsburgh.
Another wrinkle? Nashville, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham form a quirky but travel-friendly foursome — while the Florida clubs head north to be paired with New York and Philly. Strange? Yes. Impossible? Not with MLB scheduling.
Scenario 2: One New Neighbor
If just one Southeastern city — say Nashville or Charlotte — joins the party, the most natural fit is a division with Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami.
If Raleigh-Durham is the lone addition, then things could get creative. One option? Reuniting the Braves with old N.L. West buddy Cincinnati, along with the two Florida clubs.
Scenario 3: Expansion Elsewhere
If MLB plants both new flags out West or revives Montreal, the Braves likely stick in a division with Miami, Tampa, and Cincinnati. Not as flashy as a Nashville rivalry, but still logical from a travel perspective.
What It All Means For the Braves
For the Braves, realignment could mean losing traditional division matchups against the Mets, Phillies, and Nationals. But it could also mean the birth of brand-new regional rivalries with Nashville or Charlotte — cities within easy driving distance that could supercharge attendance and fan engagement.
Manfred has promised “significant change” with the league’s next era. For Atlanta, expansion could either shrink their territory or ignite it with fresh rivalries.
Braves Country won’t be on the sidelines when MLB redraws the map. The only question is whether their next rivals will come from up I-75, across I-85… or from way out West.
