How many teams are there in MLB?

Major League Baseball has evolved over the years, as the western half of the United States has seen many teams added over the past 50 seasons. And, the same can be said for the South. But, exactly how many MLB teams are there? Here’s an answer to that question.

Number of MLB teams

As of 2024, there are 30 teams in MLB. This number of teams has been in place since 1998 when the Arizona Diamondbacks and then Tampa Bay Devil Rays joined the league.

Over the past decade, there have been rumors of Major League Baseball expanding the number of teams in the league. Salt Lake City has attempted to make a play for a team, as has the city of Nashville, Tennessee.

However, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has gone on record to state that he would not consider expanding the number of teams until both the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays would get new stadium deals.

That hurdle has seemingly cleared, as the Rays are set to get a new stadium in St. Petersburg, while the A’s have been approved to move to Las Vegas.

Alignment of league

As things stand in 2024, there are 15 teams in both the American and National League. This alignment first originated in 2013 when the Astros moved from the NL to the AL.

Here’s the alignment, sorted by division.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central

Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Guardians (FKA Indians)
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Minnesota Twins

AL West

Houston Astros
Los Angeles Angels
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers

NL East

Atlanta Braves
Miami Marlins
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies

NL Central

Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants

Before 2013, there were 14 American League and 16 National League teams.