Rob Manfred on ASG: 'I'd like to be back in Toronto'

Field Level Media|published: Tue 15th July, 20:17 2025

Jul 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the stands being lit up to welcome Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman before the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

It has been so long since Major League Baseball's All-Star Game was played north of the border, the American League squad included Carlton Fisk -- who's now 77 years old.

Judging by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's comments prior to Tuesday's All-Star Game in Atlanta, he has noticed the Toronto Blue Jays are overdue to host their first midsummer classic since 1991.

"I've said before that a really significant factor in terms of All-Star Games is, when did you have the last one?" Manfred told reporters. "Obviously, they're kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time. I'd like to be back in Toronto."

Starting with Tuesday's game, National League teams are hosting three consecutive All-Star Games. The Philadelphia Phillies secured the 2026 contest -- timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence -- and reports declared the Chicago Cubs have earned the nod for 2027.

That could give American League cities the edge for 2028. A USA Today report suggested the Blue Jays, who recently completed a $400 million renovation of Rogers Centre, and the Baltimore Orioles are frontrunners to host that year. The Orioles welcomed the 1993 ASG to Camden Yards, so they, too, have been waiting more than 30 years for another chance.

--Field Level Media

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