For baseball fans in Montreal, the departure of the Expos in 2004 left a lingering void. The city’s Major League Baseball team relocated to become the Washington Nationals, after 36 years in Quebec. Nearly two decades later, Montrealers still clamor for the return of MLB to their city.
But what are the realistic prospects of Montreal landing a big league team again? Baseball analysts and insiders have mixed views on baseball coming back to Montreal. Let’s examine the key factors impacting Montreal’s MLB expansion or relocation hopes.
The Heartache of Losing the Expos
Montreal embraced the Expos from their start in 1969 until financial struggles led to the franchise being sold and moved in 2004. For generations of fans, the Expos were their hometown team representing Quebec on the MLB stage.
The Expos cultivated stars like Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, and Pedro Martinez over the years. They came agonizingly close to the World Series in 1994 before a players strike ended the season and eventually their run in Montreal.
After lackluster attendance in the late 1990s, MLB purchased the Expos before moving the team to Washington for the 2005 season. Montreal baseball devotees felt the pain of losing their beloved Major League franchise.
Persistent Interest in the Expos’ Wake
But Montreal’s passion for baseball never wavered despite losing the Expos. Enthusiastic crowds still flock to Toronto Blue Jays games each year when they play exhibition matches at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The Montreal Baseball Project has also worked tirelessly to promote baseball in Quebec.
Their efforts include public rallies, feasibility studies, and campaigning to return the sport to Montreal full-time. Major League Baseball sees considerable potential in Montreal based on the strong corporate and fan support. The lingering question is how and when MLB can restore a team there.
Key Factors in Montreal’s MLB Hopes
Among the main considerations impacting Montreal’s potential MLB return are:
MLB Expansion – Adding new franchises could grant Montreal a team. But expansion may not happen for years.
Tampa Bay Rays Relocation – The Rays have explored splitting home games between Tampa and Montreal. But plans are on hold.
New Ballpark – Montreal needs a replacement for antiquated Olympic Stadium. Funding and political will are unclear.
Local Buyer – A committed Montreal investor willing to buy a team is essential for relocation. Lack of one has hindered efforts.
Population & Corporate Support – Montreal can likely sustain MLB with 4 million residents and huge corporate base. But attendance and revenue remain concerns.
Overcoming the Loss of Expos Identity – The Expos history belongs to Washington now. Reinventing Montreal MLB identity presents marketing challenges.
Competition from Toronto Blue Jays – Proximity to Toronto could deter MLB from adding a nearby rival team again soon.
Montreal offers intriguing demographics and passion as an MLB market. But the above factors must align for a team to realistically return. Until expansion or the Rays’ status gets resolved, Montreal’s best shot appears trying to attract relocation of a struggling franchise.
Baseball Insiders Weigh In on Montreal’s Chances
Industry observers have shared mixed opinions on the feasibility of Montreal landing another MLB franchise:
Longtime sports executive Richard Peddie has stated “Montreal probably has a 50/50 chance of getting a team back” but notes Olympic Stadium and lack of modern ballpark hold things back.
Former MLB team president Andy MacPhail believes MLB wants Montreal back in the mix but expansion won’t happen until after stadium situations get resolved for Oakland and Tampa Bay first.
According to Jonah Keri, author of books on the Expos and MLB, Montreal’s chances are “awfully good” if it builds a new park, though the process could still take 5-10 years.
MLB Players Association director Tony Clark has said “Montreal has a rich baseball history” and believes it could be viable again with the “right situation.”
Sportscaster Bob Costas suggested Montreal faces tough MLB sales pitch without new stadium funding in place yet and proximity to Blue Jays hurting its value.
Keith Olbermann stated shared belief Montreal deserves MLB back but doubts it happens soon without public stadium funding MLB wants for expansion.
The Ringer’s Michael Baumann projects a long pursuit for Montreal and need to impress MLB with a new stadium before it gets considered over other markets.
Overall analysts agree Montreal boasts strengths as an MLB market but question marks around funding a new stadium leave its short-term viability uncertain. Building a new park appears pivotal to convincing MLB that Montreal is all-in for baseball’s return.
Potential Relocation Scenarios Face Challenges
Beyond expansion, Montreal’s path back to MLB likely relies on relocation of a struggling franchise unable to build a new stadium in its current city. The Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics are prime candidates based on their unresolved ballpark situations. However, plans to split the Rays between Tampa and Montreal dissolved in 2022.
Likewise, the Athletics’ hopes to build a new Oakland stadium helped by Las Vegas relocation threats hit roadblocks. Other possibilities like the Miami Marlins or Arizona Diamondbacks have come up but neither seems imminently relocatable now.
Relocation remains complex with team sales, division alignments, and revenue impact all in play. The odds seem longer without a willing seller ready to move an established club to Montreal. Building trust in Montreal as an expansion option may offer the clearest route.
Steps Needed to Show Montreal’s MLB Readiness
To prove worthy of a new or relocated MLB franchise, Montreal still needs to complete a few steps:
- Secure funding and approvals to build a modern downtown ballpark seating 30,000-40,000.
- Rally public and corporate community enthusiasm and commitments to support MLB.
- Attract viable local ownership committed to investing in a competitive team.
- Resolve lingering Olympic Stadium issues and maximize current venue as interim solution.
- Develop a compelling new brand identity and team name capturing Montreal’s baseball passion.
- Campaign for expansion once Rays and Athletics situations settle but consider relocation contingency.
- Pitch MLB on Montreal’s viability by illustrating substantial improvements since the Expos era.
- Begin FORMALLY pursuing expansion or acquisition of an existing team.
MLB and club owners will want to see these foundations firmly in place before granting a new franchise. Montreal baseball advocates still have work to do showcasing a viable plan.
Patience Required on Montreal’s MLB Quest
Despite Montreal’s enthusiasm, regaining a Major League Baseball team realistically remains many years away. Between resolving the ballpark dilemma and an unclear expansion timeline, Montreal fans will need patience.
But Montreal represents one of the most attractive locations if MLB adds franchises. The city just needs to take the right steps in the coming years to position itself at the top of the pecking order.
Once expansion or relocation conversations get serious, Montreal needs to highlight its strengths as a thriving baseball market and prove previous mistakes won’t repeat. By laying the proper groundwork now, Montreal can show it deserves to be home to Major League Baseball once again.