Orioles Players Named Salt Lake City Expansion Goal
Baltimore players identified Salt Lake City as a top potential destination for an MLB expansion franchise.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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In a recent survey, Baltimore Orioles players ranked Salt Lake City as the second-most popular choice for a new Major League Baseball team behind Nashville. Players expressed enthusiasm for the region, citing significant population growth and a favorable summer climate.
Why it matters
The endorsement highlights player interest in Western expansion, with many noting that the city's high elevation would create a hitter-friendly environment. Such feedback from professional athletes provides a unique perspective on the viability of future league growth markets.
Players highlighted the geographical appeal of Salt Lake City, located approximately 2,000 miles from Baltimore. The assessment remains subjective as the league has not confirmed a list of official expansion candidates.
The players
Jackson Holliday
He is an infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who spent time in Utah during the 2026 All-Star break.
Coby Mayo
He is an infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who has publicly shared an interest in visiting Utah.
Pete Alonso
He is a professional baseball player who has expressed public support for bringing an MLB team to Salt Lake City.
Andy Kostka
He is the reporter who conducted the interviews with Orioles players regarding their expansion city preferences.
The details
Baltimore Orioles players participated in an interview process conducted by Andy Kostka to discuss their preferred future MLB markets. Athletes including Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo expressed personal support for the Utah region following positive travel and childhood experiences.
Timeline
July 2026: Jackson Holliday visited Utah during the MLB All-Star break.
September 21, 2026: The results of the player survey were published.
Season Trajectory
The Orioles' preference for Salt Lake City follows the historical pattern of league growth seen in the 1993 MLB expansion to Colorado and Florida, where new markets were targeted for their unique geographical advantages. This player sentiment reflects a growing focus on Western markets that could influence the league's long-term expansion strategy.
The endorsement suggests that if expansion occurs in Salt Lake City, the high altitude would favor offensive statistics, potentially impacting future fantasy baseball drafting strategies. Fans in the region should monitor these player sentiments as indicators of which cities hold the most appeal for professional athletes.
The takeaway
Player sentiment serves as a critical barometer for the success of potential league expansion cities. These athlete perspectives highlight how regional geography and climate play a significant role in where professional sports franchises may eventually thrive.
Further reading
For more insight into the local sports landscape, visit the /sports/baseball/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
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