Which Baseball Team Has Moved the Most?

If a team is consistently among the favourites for their division in MLB odds, it’s unlikely they will be relocated. Franchises have been moved for various reasons throughout MLB history, though, with a new ballpark or small crowds often a motivating factor. 

In the 1950s, two franchises moved cities due to their owners craving a larger market. Others left because of competition from another team in the city. 

Naturally, a team switching from one city to another and a new ballpark in the process is a factor to consider when looking at baseball odds. There are plenty of unknowns when a team relocates.

Which Baseball Team Has Moved the Most?

Three teams have relocated twice. The Oakland Athletics are due to become the baseball team that has moved the most. 

The Atlanta Braves previously played in Boston and Milwaukee. Before moving to Baltimore in 1954, the Orioles played in Milwaukee and St. Louis. The Oakland Athletics called Philadelphia their home until 1955 and spent 13 years in Kansas City before relocating to the Bay Area.

When the Athletics leave Oakland after the 2024 season, they will be the franchise with the most relocations across the major U.S. sports. There are plans for the Athletics to play in Las Vegas starting with the 2028 season after spending the next few in Sacramento.

What Is the Newest MLB Team?

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays are the newest MLB teams. Both teams joined MLB for the 1998 season.

Initially known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, there was a lengthy legal process between the Tampa Bay Baseball Group and MLB after the group missed out during MLB’s 1993 expansion. 

The Diamondbacks were going to join the American League at first, but several AL teams blocked the move as it would have led to more games outside their time zones. 

Are There 32 MLB Teams? 

No, there are 30 teams in MLB. There are 15 teams in the American League and 15 in the National League, with three divisions of five in each league.

19 years ago today, the #Dbacks became the fastest expansion team to reach the World Series.

It wouldn't be the last record set by the 2001 team. 😏 pic.twitter.com/E8TkBkVBE0

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 21, 2020

MLB will likely expand to 32 teams in the not-too-distant future. The main question is when the process will begin and where the two new franchises will be located. Among the contenders are Nashville, Charlotte, Mexico City, Montreal, Portland, and Salt Lake City. 

While the Diamondbacks won a World Series in just their fourth season and the Florida Marlins won a title in their fifth year, most expansion teams will take several years before they are among the World Series favourites in the online sports betting markets.