New Rangers Division Rivals via Expansion

If MLB expands to 32 teams, realignment would have implications for the Rangers.

Major League Baseball seems intent on expansion one day. And if that happens, The Athletic has ideas on what MLB might do to restructure its divisions.

It’s a little out there. And it involves the Texas Rangers.

The article noted that by adding just two new teams would allow MLB to move to eight divisions with four teams in the same division, just like the NFL.

It also noted that with the move to the universal designated hitter, there is less need for a National League and an American League.

The Athletic’s idea? Go to an Eastern Conference and a Western Conference with four divisions in each and align as geographically as possible.

Without the league constraints, an Eastern Conference East Division could have the New York Yankees and New York Mets in the same division. A Western Conference Midwest Division could align both Chicago teams — Cubs and White Sox — with the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins.

So, what about the Rangers? Well, as one might expect they would remain in the same division with the Houston Astros, preserving that instate rivalry.

But, in this proposed Southwest Division, there are no more multiple road trips to Anaheim, Oakland or Seattle. Instead, the Rangers and Astros would be the same division with two other instate rivals —  Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.

How would this go over if it comes to pass? Well, MLB would have to expand first. Then, it would have to leave behind some of its league traditions.

The Rangers would benefit with less travel. And with the new schedule, the Rangers will play every team in baseball anyway.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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