Introduction
There’s often confusion around the number of teams in the MLB. With teams changing locations, names, and divisions, it can be tough to keep track of the current roster. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive yet easy-to-digest guide to the current MLB lineup and the number of teams in the league.
Counting the Teams: A Comprehensive Look at the Current MLB Roster
The MLB currently has 30 teams, 15 in both the American and National leagues. Each league is divided into three divisions – East, West, and Central. The teams play 162 regular-season games, and the winner of each division along with two wildcard teams (based on best records) from each league participate in the playoffs leading up to the World Series.
The Yankees have been the most successful team in the league, with 27 World Series wins, followed by the Cardinals with 11.
MLB Lineup: A Guide to Each Franchise in 2021
Here is an overview of each of the 30 teams in the MLB:
- American League East: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
- American League Central: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins
- American League West: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers
- National League East: Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals
- National League Central: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals
- National League West: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
Breaking Down the Big Leagues: How Many Teams are in the MLB?
The MLB as we know it today has had 30 teams since the addition of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now the Tampa Bay Rays) in 1998. However, the number of teams has fluctuated throughout the league’s history.
At one point, there were as few as eight teams in the league (1901-1960). Since then, the league has seen several waves of expansion, with an additional ten teams joining the league since 1961.
The MLB’s Team Tally: A Look at Expansion, Contraction, and Realignment
The decision to expand or contract the league is influenced by several factors, including the potential for financial gain, the size of the market, and the availability of suitable stadiums. With the addition of each new team, the league is able to expand its viewership while increasing revenue through ticket sales and merchandising.
Conversely, teams may be contracted due to a lack of financial viability or disputes between team owners and the league. Additionally, changes in the demographics of North America have contributed to realignment – changes in divisional alignment to accommodate the new geographical realities of a changing North American landscape.
From the Antiquated American Association to Modern-Day MLB: How the Leagues Grew to 30 Teams
The MLB as we know it today is a result of several mergers and evolutionary changes within the sport. The league began as the National Association of Professional Baseball Players in 1871, later changing to the National League in 1876. The American Association was created in 1882, with the two leagues merging in 1892 to form the National League and American League.
The MLB reached its current configuration of 30 teams with the 1998 expansions, the most recent expansion in the league’s history.
The Perfect Pitch: A Quick Guide to Every Team in the Majors
For ease of reference, here is a brief guide to all 30 teams in the MLB:
- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
Conclusion
The MLB currently has 30 teams, split between the American and National leagues. The league has undergone many changes and fluctuations throughout its history, with teams added, relocated, contracted, and realigned. Knowing the history of the league and the current configuration of its teams can enrich anyone’s experience of following baseball. Use this article as a guide for any future questions regarding the teams in the MLB.