“There are certainly other cities in Canada [beyond Montreal] those would be viable expansion candidates… The Blue Jays have done a phenomenal job, not just in the home market but across Canada, developing an audience and a fan base… The ratings we’ve had from Canada throughout the postseason have really been a boost for the game.”
“To be back in Canada it’s great for our game.” Commissioner Rob Manfred discusses this year’s international presence #WorldSeries and how the talent continues to develop.
The Blue Jays have been Canada’s only MLB team since the Montreal Expos left in 2004 after 36 years north of the border. The club won the NL East title in 1981 but never captured a World Series championship, although they had an incredibly strong team in 1994 before the season ended prematurely due to the players’ strike.
With so much fuss devoted to the Jays’ postseason run, it’s easy to see why Manfred is considering other cities in Canada to host a baseball team. Vancouver seems like another option for a big league club, forming a potentially fun rivalry with the Seattle Mariners just south of the border. Ask any Jays minor league player who has played in Vancouver, and they will tell you that Nat Bailey Stadium is one of the loudest venues on the minor league circuit.
Calgary could also be a potential option as it is the third largest city outside of Toronto and Montreal according to the 2021 census. The Cannons were a minor league team that lasted 18 seasons between 1985 and 2002, and were affiliated with the Mariners, Pirates, White Sox and Marlins during their active years. Ottawa would be next after Calgary if population has the greatest influence.
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