By the time the league expands – most likely by two teams – it will have been 30 years or more since the last time MLB expanded when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays came online in 1998. That’s the longest stretch in the post-expansion era that began in 1961.

MLB expansion to 32 teams could trigger geographic realignment and less travel. Potential divisions may pair Royals with teams like Cardinals, Cubs or White Sox. Realignment may boost broadcast appeal by aligning time zones for key matchups.