MLB hints at division realignment: What could it mean for the Cardinals?

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said expansion would enable geographic realignment, reduce player travel wear and tear, and enhance the postseason format. Realignment would likely preserve the American and National Leagues while shifting from three five-team divisions to four four-team divisions in each league. The change would require two expansion franchises and might move existing teams between leagues. Multiple public proposals place the St. Louis Cardinals in different four-team groupings, including configurations with the Cubs, Reds, Brewers, White Sox, Royals, Astros and Rangers. The Cardinals have occupied the NL Central since 1995, forming durable regional rivalries.

Speaking on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast last weekend, Manfred said: "If we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign. I think we could save a lot of wear and tear on our players in terms of travel, and I think our postseason format would be even more appealing." Such a change would likely keep the American and National Leagues intact, but move from three five-team divisions to four four-team divisions in each league. It would require two expansion franchises and possibly shift some existing teams across different leagues.

FOX Sports: MLB Proposes a four-team division called the "NL Midwest" with the Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. The Athletic - Stephen J. Nesbitt Proposes a four-team division called the "NL North" with the Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. Proposes a four-team division called the "Midwest" within the Western Conference, rather than a National League or American League. It calls for the Cardinals in a division with the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.

The Cardinals have been in the NL Central division since 1995, when MLB last realigned to its current six-division structure. That move created consistent rivalries with the Brewers, Reds and Pirates, while strengthening the long-standing rivalry with the Cubs.

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