The Athletics may be on the move for a third time in its history.
On Tuesday, Major League Baseball gave the franchise the green light to explore relocation if their proposal for a new $12 billion complex is not approved. After years of fighting, it looks like the Athletics and Oakland are parting ways.
Where would be their best landing spot?
The league is exploring its first expansion since 1998, which could potentially restructure league and division layout. For now, though, let’s assume there aren’t two new teams coming, and MLB isn’t willing to realign divisions, meaning the Athletics have to stay on the western-half of the country (and Canada).
So no Charlotte, no Nashville, no Montreal.
Here’s where a potential relocation makes the most sense, in order.
Las Vegas: There’s definitely a risk of oversaturing the market after the Golden Knights and Raiders already got their foot in the door, but Vegas is a big market that no team has dominion over at the moment. The Class AAA Aviators would have to find a new home, but if that’s the greatest challenge facing a relocation or future expansion, this is the clear best option.
San Jose: The most palatable for Oakland’s fans, the A’s could move 40 miles south to San Jose. It would keep the existing Giants-Athletics rivalry in place, but the Giants would have to give their blessing and relinquish exclusivity with Santa Clara County. That seems unlikely.
Vancouver/Portland: I'm lumping these two together since they both are big Pacific northwest markets that the Mariners are currently tapping into. If the Mariners (and Blue Jays, in Vancouver’s case) are willing to share, it could be a fun rivalry. But sharing markets is a common problem facing any sort of expansion in the west.
Mexico City: MLB could tap into a new market without stepping on another team’s toes, but this is more of a wild card than anything. Plus, the elevation (7,382 feet above sea level) would put Coors Field to shame.
YOUR TURN: Where is the best landing spot for the Athletics (including Oakland)?