MLB commissioner Rob Manfred downplays a possible 2027 lockout and discusses expansion.

Manfred said formal bargaining has not yet begun and he downplayed the likelihood of missed games in 2027; he also expressed interest in expanding MLB to 32 teams and realigning divisions.

Rob Manfred spoke on SNY's The Carton Show about the league's labour outlook and potential structural changes. He addressed concerns about a possible lockout after the current collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026. Manfred said negotiations have not started and that media coverage has rushed to negativity. He also raised expansion and realignment as topics that would be part of upcoming talks. Key points: - The current MLB-MLBPA labour agreement is set to expire in December 2026. - Manfred said formal bargaining has not yet begun and that he has previously negotiated two labour deals without a work stoppage. - He stated his goal is for the league to play a full 162-game season in 2027. - Manfred said he would like to expand MLB to 32 teams and to realign divisions along geographic lines, likely into eight divisions of four teams. - MLB last expanded in 1998 (Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks) and last realigned in 2013 when the Houston Astros moved leagues. - Manfred has said he will retire at the end of his contract in January 2029. Summary: Manfred sought to tone down talk of a lockout and identified expansion and realignment as negotiation topics. The agreement expires in December 2026 and formal bargaining has not yet begun. Undetermined at this time.