How Many MLB Teams Are There in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · August 22, 2048

There are currently 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, evenly divided between the National League (NL) and American League (AL), each with 15 teams. These franchises span across the United States and include one Canadian team, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Understanding Major League Baseball Structure

Major League Baseball is the premier professional baseball league in North America and consists of 30 teams as of the 2025 season. The league was formed through the merger of two historic leagues: the National League (founded in 1876) and the American League (established in 1901). Since 2013, MLB has maintained a balanced structure of 15 teams per league, supporting equitable scheduling and postseason competition.

Key Facts About MLB Teams

Total number of MLB teams: 30
National League (NL): 15 teams
American League (AL): 15 teams
Teams located in 29 U.S. cities and 1 Canadian city (Toronto)
Most recent expansion: 1998 (Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays)
No official expansion plans confirmed beyond 2025

Geographic Distribution of MLB Teams

MLB teams are spread across the continental United States, from coast to coast, with one international presence in Canada. The geographic footprint reflects population centers and market demand. California and New York each host multiple teams, demonstrating regional popularity and historical significance.

Breakdown by Region

West Coast: 6 teams (e.g., Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants)
Midwest: 7 teams (e.g., St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs)
South/Southeast: 7 teams (e.g., Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros)
Northeast: 5 teams (e.g., New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox)
Canada: 1 team (Toronto Blue Jays)

MLB Team List and Divisional Alignment

Each league is further divided into three divisions—East, Central, and West—with five teams in each division. This structure supports regular-season rivalries and playoff qualification paths.

Team Name	City	League	Division	Founded	Home Stadium
Atlanta Braves	Atlanta, GA	National League	East	1871	Truist Park
Miami Marlins	Miami, FL	National League	East	1993	LoanDepot Park
New York Mets	New York, NY	National League	East	1962	Citi Field
Philadelphia Phillies	Philadelphia, PA	National League	East	1883	Citizens Bank Park
Washington Nationals	Washington, D.C.	National League	East	1969	Nationals Park
Chicago Cubs	Chicago, IL	National League	Central	1876	Wrigley Field
Cincinnati Reds	Cincinnati, OH	National League	Central	1882	Great American Ball Park
Milwaukee Brewers	Milwaukee, WI	National League	Central	1969	American Family Field
Pittsburgh Pirates	Pittsburgh, PA	National League	Central	1882	PNC Park
St. Louis Cardinals	St. Louis, MO	National League	Central	1882	Busch Stadium
Arizona Diamondbacks	Phoenix, AZ	National League	West	1998	Chase Field
Colorado Rockies	Denver, CO	National League	West	1993	Coors Field
Los Angeles Dodgers	Los Angeles, CA	National League	West	1883	Dodger Stadium
San Diego Padres	San Diego, CA	National League	West	1969	Petco Park
San Francisco Giants	San Francisco, CA	National League	West	1883	Oracle Park
Baltimore Orioles	Baltimore, MD	American League	East	1894	Camden Yards
Boston Red Sox	Boston, MA	American League	East	1901	Fenway Park
New York Yankees	New York, NY	American League	East	1901	Yankee Stadium
Tampa Bay Rays	St. Petersburg, FL	American League	East	1998	Tropicana Field
Toronto Blue Jays	Toronto, ON	American League	East	1977	Rogers Centre
Chicago White Sox	Chicago, IL	American League	Central	1901	Guaranteed Rate Field
Cleveland Guardians	Cleveland, OH	American League	Central	1901	Progressive Field
Detroit Tigers	Detroit, MI	American League	Central	1901	Comerica Park
Kansas City Royals	Kansas City, MO	American League	Central	1969	Kauffman Stadium
Minnesota Twins	Minneapolis, MN	American League	Central	1901	Target Field
Houston Astros	Houston, TX	American League	West	1962	Minute Maid Park
Los Angeles Angels	Anaheim, CA	American League	West	1961	Angel Stadium
Oakland Athletics	Oakland, CA	American League	West	1901	RingCentral Coliseum
Seattle Mariners	Seattle, WA	American League	West	1977	T-Mobile Park
Texas Rangers	Arlington, TX	American League	West	1961	Globe Life Field

Table data source:1, 2

The table above confirms the current 30-team alignment, including founding years and home stadiums. Notably, eight teams have been active since the early 20th century or before, highlighting MLB's deep historical roots. Recent expansions in 1993 and 1998 brought in five modern franchises, expanding MLB’s national reach.

Historical Expansion of MLB Teams

MLB began with just 8 teams in the 19th century and gradually expanded through the 20th and 21st centuries. Key expansion phases include:

1961–1962: AL and NL each added two teams
1977: Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays join
1993: Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins)
1998: Arizona Diamondbacks (NL) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (AL)

No new teams have joined since 1998, though discussions about potential future expansion to cities like Nashville, Portland, or Mexico City continue.

Future of MLB Expansion

While no official expansion is scheduled, MLB leadership has expressed interest in evaluating growth opportunities. Factors influencing future expansion include market size, stadium infrastructure, ownership groups, and global outreach goals.

Potential Expansion Cities

Nashville, TN – Strong minor league support and growing population
Portland, OR – Large metro area without a current MLB team
Mexico City – International expansion opportunity
Charlotte, NC – Growing southeastern market
Vancouver, BC – Canadian interest post-Blue Jays success

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Teams

How many MLB teams are there in total?

As of 2025, there are 30 teams in Major League Baseball, split evenly between the American League and National League with 15 teams each.

Which city has the most MLB teams?

New York City has the most MLB teams with two: the New York Yankees (AL) and the New York Mets (NL). Los Angeles also has two teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels.

Are there any MLB teams outside the United States?

Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays are based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are the only MLB team located outside the United States and joined the league in 1977.

When was the last time MLB expanded?

MLB last expanded in 1998, adding the Arizona Diamondbacks to the National League and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now Rays) to the American League. No new teams have been added since then.

What are the oldest MLB teams?

The Atlanta Braves, founded in 1871, are the oldest continuously operating professional baseball team. Other original franchises include the Chicago Cubs (1876), Cincinnati Reds (1882), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1882).