Major League Baseball is setting its sights on worldwide growth, with Commissioner Rob Manfred announcing ambitious plans for international expansion during this weekend’s games in Mexico City.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Manfred outlined the league’s strategy following the successful two-game series between the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu. The Padres claimed victory in Saturday’s opener with a 6-4 win, while both games drew capacity crowds.
The commissioner emphasized Mexico’s significance in MLB’s worldwide vision, citing the country’s deep-rooted baseball traditions and competitive leagues.
“We love being in Mexico City, it’s been a great success for us,” Manfred stated. “It’s a really important market for us … a market that has a baseball culture, important participants in the World Baseball Classic and great professional leagues.”
MLB’s international efforts continue despite recent setbacks, including canceled regular-season contests in Paris next year and London this season due to broadcasting conflicts and logistical issues.
“We are interested in expansion … if distributors (broadcasters) add up around the world for us, there are other markets for baseball,” the commissioner explained.
Manfred revealed that additional games in Mexico are part of MLB’s long-term international schedule, which will be developed under the current collective bargaining agreement set for renegotiation with players in December.
“We are going to do an international play plan with the MLB Players Association as part of the collective bargaining agreement … Mexico is going to be a big part of that plan going forward,” he confirmed.
