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The Chicago White Sox have been making a lot of moves in the last 24 hours, including firing their vice president, Kenny Williams, and general manager, Rick Hahn. However, their most significant move could potentially be a bit more long-term—six years longer, in fact. Longtime owner Jerry Reinsdorf stated earlier this week that the White Sox might be relocated by the time their lease expires in 2029. This could involve moving within or around the city of Chicago, to another city altogether, or even an outright sale. This would now add the White Sox to what seems like an ever-growing list of MLB teams contemplating relocation, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. With the league looking to expand into new markets, the White Sox could be a perfect fit for several cities seeking professional baseball.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The Montreal Expos departed in 2004 due to lack of interest, declining attendance, and overall economic differences. Over time, however, there has been growing interest in bringing a team back to Mount Royal. While there is already a team in Canada—the Toronto Blue Jays—adding another team farther northeast could further expand the MLB's visibility. Nevertheless, this might not be the most attractive option due to its proximity to the Blue Jays.
Portland, Oregon
Portland stands out as a major metropolitan city lacking a professional baseball team. Enthusiasts, like the Portland Diamond Project, firmly believe that introducing a team to the city could catalyze a notable surge in economic activity while elevating Portland's status as a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment.
Even MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has alluded to the league's intentions to expand its roster from 30 to 32 teams in the foreseeable future. If the city is desperate for baseball, it might not require an expansion but instead offer a new home for the White Sox. This aligns with MLB's strategy to venture into new markets and expand its footprint. Despite the presence of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, the city only has one notable professional sports team, making it a potentially exciting option for the White Sox.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Another intriguing city is Salt Lake City, UT. Similar to Portland, Salt Lake City has only one notable professional sports team—the Utah Jazz. While moving the White Sox from South Side Chicago to the mountainous views of Salt Lake City might seem initially off-putting, there's already an organization, Big League Utah, hoping to bring an MLB team to the city.
“Big League Utah, a broad-based community coalition, believes Utah is the ‘Future of America’s Pastime.' Like baseball’s brightest stars, Utah is a 5-tool player for its growth, economy, location, sports culture, and quality of life. The coalition has targeted a shovel-ready site for a new MLB ballpark at the 100-acre Rocky Mountain Power District in Salt Lake City.”
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Charlotte Knights, oddly affiliated with the White Sox, boast one of the best MiLB stadiums in minor league baseball. The backdrop of downtown Charlotte is mesmerizing for watching a game. Charlotte, like the other cities mentioned, would provide more scenic views than the South Side of Chicago. If the White Sox were to move to Charlotte, they'd be in the largest city in North Carolina, which already hosts professional sports teams—the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte is expected to be a favorite for expansion in the coming years, and the White Sox could make it easier for everyone by relocating there with their minor league affiliate.
Nashville, Tennessee
If the White Sox decide to leave Guaranteed Rate Field after their lease expires in 2029, Nashville, TN, could be the ideal place and market for them.
Preliminary plans have already been made to bring a major league baseball team to Nashville in the future, either through an expansion team or by relocating a team like the White Sox. Music City Baseball, LLC, an organization of Nashville business, sports, music, and community leaders, is committed to bringing a Major League Baseball franchise to Nashville as part of a mixed-use, multi-themed family, sports, and entertainment district.
“Our focus is to secure Major League Baseball approval of an expansion franchise in Nashville, although relocation and rebranding of an existing franchise would also be considered. Our goal is to complete construction of a new baseball stadium by early 2027 and commence competition in the Spring of 2027.”
The early concepts of the team, named the Stars, bear a similar resemblance to the White Sox in terms of color and simplicity. However, Nashville's thriving, bustling market is the most intriguing factor. With an NFL and NHL team already in place, adding an MLB team seems fitting. A new stadium equipped with modern technology could also become a hub for various forms of entertainment, making this a win-win situation for all parties involved.
