Mexico City may host major league action next year, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres could meet there for a regular-season series.
No official plans have been announced by Major League Baseball, but reports are indicating the possibility of a Padres-Dodgers series in Mexico City. If it indeed becomes a reality, the two teams could square off in an April 2018 series at a new ballpark that is used by Mexico City Red Devils (Mexican League).
Both clubs have traveled in the past for international series, as the Dodgers opened the 2014 season in Australia. The Padres, meanwhile, have a history of regular season action in Mexico, as they faced the New York Mets at Monterrey Stadium for three games in 1996. However, additional work will need to be completed before plans for regular season games in Mexico City for next year are finalized, according MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark. More from The Los Angeles Times:
Clark said logistical hurdles must be resolved before the series can be finalized. He said the players are supportive of the increased international play — in spring training, during the regular season and in postseason tours — envisioned under the new collective bargaining agreement.
“We understand wholeheartedly the desire to grow our game,” Clark said.
The MLB commissioner’s office declined to comment. The discussions first were reported Sunday by the Mexican website Puro Beisbol.
Mexico City could be the latest destination for an off-site MLB series. The league has already revealed plans for regular season games at San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium next year. From April 17-18, the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians will square off for a two-game series at the venue.
Recent reports have also indicated that MLB is still pursuing a regular season series in London, with 2019 targeted as a possible time for those contests.