The newest baseball teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) are the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Rays, both of whom began play in 1998.
MLB's Most Recent Expansion
Major League Baseball's most recent expansion occurred in 1998, marking a significant milestone in the league's history. This expansion introduced two new franchises, bringing the total number of MLB teams to 30. Both teams were added simultaneously to ensure an even number of teams across the National League (NL) and American League (AL).
The introduction of these teams helped to expand MLB's footprint into new and growing markets, offering professional baseball to fans in the Southwestern United States and Florida.
Newest MLB Teams by Expansion
Here's a breakdown of the teams from the most recent MLB expansion:
| Team Name (Current) | Original Name (if different) | League | Inaugural Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks | National League | 1998 | |
| Tampa Bay Rays | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | American League | 1998 |
The Arizona Diamondbacks joined the National League, quickly making their mark by winning the World Series just a few years after their inaugural season. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays (originally the Tampa Bay Devil Rays) joined the American League, and have since become a competitive force in their division.
This 1998 expansion was a strategic move to broaden the league's reach and capitalize on the growing popularity of baseball across various regions, solidifying the modern structure of Major League Baseball.
