Sacramento has a long and storied history with baseball. The city was home to the Sacramento Solons for over 50 years. They were a minor league team that played in the Pacific Coast League. The Solons were a farm team for several Major League Baseball teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Giants. Sacramento is currently home to the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The River Cats have been one of the most successful minor league teams in recent years. They have won three Triple-A championships. They have also won five Pacific Coast League championships.

The Oakland Athletics are set to move to Las Vegas in 2028. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that the league will consider expansion. Sacramento is one of several cities that have been mentioned as a possible expansion market. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the possibility of Sacramento becoming an MLB expansion city.  

MLB Expansion Plans

MLB has not expanded since 1998, when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays joined the league. However, Commissioner Manfred has mentioned that expansion is “on the table.” This will happen once the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays resolve their stadium situations. The Athletics are moving to Las Vegas in 2028, but the Rays’ new stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, has faced some uncertainty and potential delays. These new stadiums are expected to cost a significant amount, with the Rays’ and A’s new stadiums estimated at $1.3 and $1.5 billion, respectively. The high cost of these projects could be a major factor in MLB’s expansion decisions. It may influence which cities are chosen. It also affects how expansion is financed.  

Several cities have been mentioned as possible expansion markets, including Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, Montreal, and Salt Lake City. Interestingly, MLB has also expressed interest in playing more games overseas. This interest could factor into expansion plans. It could also influence the potential for international markets. Sacramento is also in the mix, and there are several factors that make it an attractive option for MLB.  

History of Professional Baseball in Sacramento

Sacramento has a deep-rooted baseball culture that dates back to the early days of the sport in California. The first California baseball club was formed in Sacramento in 1859. The state’s first organized baseball game was played there in 1860. Just a few years later, in 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings played a game against a Sacramento team. They were the first openly professional baseball club. Sacramento’s early embrace of baseball highlights the city’s long-standing connection to the sport.  

In 1886, Sacramento saw the formation of the Altas, the city’s first truly professional baseball team. This marked a significant step in the development of professional baseball in Sacramento and laid the groundwork for future teams. In the late 1800s, Sacramento was home to several professional teams. One notable team was the Gilt Edge. They won three straight championships in 1898, 1899, and 1900.  

In 1903, Sacramento became one of six teams in the newly formed Pacific Coast League (PCL). The league’s first game was played in Sacramento, further solidifying the city’s place in baseball history. The Sacramento team, initially known as the Senators, was eventually renamed the Solons, after the ancient Greek lawmaker. The team drew huge crowds to their home field at Riverside and Broadway, known as Edmonds Field.  

Edmonds Field played a crucial role in the history of Sacramento baseball. Built in 1910, the ballpark was modernized to accommodate growing attendance. It was strategically placed near the city limits. This location allowed for the sale of alcohol and gambling, which were prohibited within city boundaries. This entrepreneurial spirit and the ballpark’s lively atmosphere contributed to the popularity of baseball in Sacramento.  

In 1930, Sacramento made history by hosting the first night game on the West Coast. This happened a full five years before the major leagues had lighted fields. This innovative move further cemented Sacramento’s reputation as a forward-thinking baseball city. Many big-name players came through Sacramento in the PCL, including Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. The Solons had their own stars. Joe Marty, for instance, owned a bar in town. Pitcher Tony Freitas helped the team win their only pennant in 1942. Freitas went on to the PCL Hall of Fame.  

The Solons routinely drew crowds of 5,000 to 10,000 for 50 years. Major League Baseball expanded to California. Televised baseball games became common. As a result, the Solons were sold and moved to Hawaii in 1960. This ended nearly 100 years of professional baseball in the capital city.  

In 2000, the PCL’s Vancouver Canadians were purchased by a group led by Art Savage. They moved south to West Sacramento. The team was renamed the River Cats. The River Cats have played in the PCL since 2000. They are the only charter city to still host a PCL team.  

Demographics and Economics of Sacramento

Sacramento is the sixth-largest city in California. It ranks as the 35th-largest city in the United States. The city has a population of over 526,000. The Sacramento metropolitan area has a population of over 2.6 million people. The city is diverse, with a large Asian population and a significant Hispanic population. The racial makeup of the metropolitan area is 52.5% White, 7.0% Black or African American, 1.1% American Indian, 14.9% Asian, 0.9% Pacific Islander, 10.4% from other races, and 13.2% from two or more races. Sacramento is also a relatively young city, with a median age of 35.2. This diverse and young population might attract MLB. It represents a growing and potentially untapped market for the sport.  

Sacramento has a strong economy, with a median household income of $78,954. The city hosts several major employers. These include the State of California, the University of California, Davis, and Sutter Health. Sacramento is also a growing center for technology and innovation. Sacramento and Placer County are emerging hubs for technology firms. This is due to the presence of companies like HP, Intel, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Oracle, and Apple. The city focuses on fostering innovation in sectors like food and agriculture. It is also active in advanced manufacturing. Clean technology further strengthens its economic potential and attractiveness to MLB. Interestingly, 5.7% of Sacramento residents are veterans, adding another dimension to the city’s demographic profile.  

Potential Stadium Options in Sacramento

Sutter Health Park, the current home of the River Cats, has a capacity of 14,014. The ballpark is located in West Sacramento, just across the Sacramento River from downtown Sacramento. Sutter Health Park is a modern facility that opened in 2000. To accommodate the A’s, the ballpark will undergo renovations. These renovations will include the addition of a new clubhouse and LED lighting. This is to meet MLB standards. Based on player feedback, the A’s will also maintain a natural grass field at Sutter Health Park.  

Sutter Health Park could potentially be expanded to accommodate an MLB team. However, it is likely that a new stadium would be needed. There are a few potential sites for a new MLB stadium in Sacramento. One of these is the Railyards, a 244-acre development site north of downtown Sacramento. The Railyards is already entitled for a 25,000-seat soccer stadium. Another potential option is Sacramento State University, which is building a new multi-use stadium. This stadium is not an MLB stadium. However, it demonstrates the region’s commitment to sports infrastructure. It could potentially be leveraged for future events.  

Potential Fan Base in Sacramento

Sacramento has a strong baseball fan base. The River Cats have consistently been one of the top-drawing teams in Minor League Baseball. In 2018, the River Cats led the PCL in attendance. The team has also been recognized for its diverse fan base. Furthermore, Sacramento has great weather for baseball for much of the year, which could contribute to strong attendance.  

In addition to the River Cats, there are many fans of the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics in Sacramento. The city is located in the middle of the two teams’ territories. Many fans in Sacramento grew up rooting for either the Giants or the A’s. This could create challenges in building a strong, dedicated fan base for a new team, as loyalties may be divided. However, the A’s strong performance in July 2024 was impressive. They had the second-best record in baseball. This could attract new fans and generate excitement for the team in Sacramento. The A’s have already received over 74,000 ticket requests for their Sacramento home opener. This demonstrates strong local interest and excitement for the team. Having the A’s play their home games in Sacramento will be a good barometer. It will gauge how successful a MLB team might be in the city. This is until their stadium in Las Vegas is finished.

Potential Competition from Other Cities

Sacramento faces stiff competition from several other cities that are also vying for an MLB expansion team. Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, Montreal, and Salt Lake City are all considered to be strong contenders. Each of these cities has its own strengths and weaknesses.  

• Nashville has been at the top of many MLB expansion lists. Known as “Music City,” Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It already hosts professional teams in the NFL and NHL. Baseball is popular in Nashville, which is already home to the Nashville Sounds, a Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The presence of a minor league team with strong fan support indicates the city could sustain an MLB franchise. The mayor of Nashville has spoken out against using public funds for a stadium. This stance could be a significant hurdle for the city’s bid. The median household income in Nashville is $59,213.  
• Charlotte is another city that has been frequently mentioned as a potential expansion candidate. Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. The state has a growing population. It also has a passionate fan base for sports. The city has a successful minor league baseball team and has expressed interest in hosting a Major League team. Charlotte also has the potential advantage of having a billionaire owner, Tom Dundon, who already owns the Carolina Hurricanes. The median household income in Charlotte is $60,668.  
• Portland has a strong sports culture and a growing population. The city has a successful minor league baseball team and has expressed interest in hosting a Major League team. Portland has an enthusiastic fan base for the NBA’s Trail Blazers. This shows the city’s strong support for professional sports. An MLB team would be a great addition, especially with Seattle as a close regional rival. Portland also has the unanimous backing of the city council for its bid.  
• Montreal previously had a Major League team, the Expos, which relocated to Washington, D.C., as the Nationals. There has been renewed interest in bringing a Major League team back to Montreal. This is especially true given the city’s strong baseball tradition. A return to Montreal could bring back fans who have been waiting for MLB’s return. It could even draw a cross-border rivalry with Toronto’s Blue Jays.  
• Salt Lake City has done the most to promote MLB expansion. The city has a metro population of 1.3 million, but it is estimated that over 2 million people nearby would be interested in attending baseball games. Salt Lake City also has a proposal to use a rental car tax increase to help fund a new ballpark. This public funding could give Salt Lake City a significant advantage over other cities.  

Potential Benefits and Challenges of Bringing an MLB Team to Sacramento

There are several potential benefits to bringing an MLB team to Sacramento. An MLB team would bring jobs and economic development to the city. It would also increase tourism and raise Sacramento’s profile on the national stage. West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero said this initiative will bring economic prosperity. “This is going to benefit all of our restaurants… I think we’re all going to benefit from having these great crowds come in.” The A’s temporary move to Sacramento could be a “trial run” for the city. It offers a chance to prove its viability as an MLB market. This could be a major opportunity for Sacramento to make a strong impression on MLB.  

However, there are also some challenges to bringing an MLB team to Sacramento. One challenge is the cost of building a new stadium. As one commentator noted, “They’re going to have to make a new stadium, at least 30,000 seats, not 14,000… It’s going to cost them a billion dollars.” Another challenge is the competition from other cities that are also vying for an MLB team. Sacramento may have to compete with Oakland for a future expansion team. This adds an interesting layer to the discussion. It highlights the potential rivalry between the two cities.  

Playing in Sacramento’s summer heat presents challenges. The limitations of Sutter Health Park could also be significant hurdles for the city to overcome. Day games in the summer heat could be particularly problematic, potentially impacting attendance. As Commissioner Manfred acknowledged, “The (artificial turf) surface at the Oakland A’s temporary home in Sacramento will have a hydration element.” This surface will include a hydration feature. This feature is necessary. It addresses the summer heat at the open-air ballpark. Despite these challenges, the A’s history of innovation and success stands out. Their use of analytics (“Moneyball”) highlights the team’s potential to be a successful and influential franchise in Sacramento.  

Conclusion

Sacramento appears to be a strong contender for an MLB expansion team. The city has a long and rich history of professional baseball. It also boasts a strong and diverse economy. Additionally, the city has a passionate fan base. The A’s temporary relocation to Sacramento is a unique opportunity. It allows the city to showcase its potential as an MLB market. However, Sacramento faces some challenges. These challenges include the cost of building a new stadium. There is also competition from other cities. Sutter Health Park has limitations, particularly in the summer heat. Ultimately, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the league’s owners will decide whether or not to expand to Sacramento.

SWOT Analysis of Sacramento as an MLB Expansion Market

Strength	Weakness	Opportunity	Threat
Strong baseball history	Relatively small media market	Growing city	A’s move to Las Vegas could hurt Sacramento’s chances
Strong economy	Competition from other cities	Increasing interest in baseball	MLB may not expand at all
Passionate fan base	Cost of building a new stadium	Potential for a new stadium in the Railyards
Modern ballpark	Summer heat
Diverse population

Based on the available information, Sacramento appears to be a strong contender for an MLB expansion team. The city has many of the qualities that MLB is looking for in an expansion market. These include a strong baseball history, a strong economy, and a passionate fan base. However, Sacramento faces some challenges. The city’s media market is relatively small. There is also competition from other cities. If MLB does decide to expand, Sacramento would be a worthy addition to the league.