Manfred: I'd like to see Toronto host future All-Star Game
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred envisions the All-Star Game returning north of the border sooner rather than later.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Midsummer Classic in Atlanta, Manfred cited the Toronto Blue Jays and their home ballpark, Rogers Centre, as a likely candidate to host a future edition of the event. The commissioner cited the venue's recent renovations, as well as the length of time since the city last hosted an All-Star week, as factors working in Toronto's favor.
"I've said before that a really significant factor in terms of All-Star Games is, when did you have the last one?" Manfred said, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. "So you can figure out, kind of. It is not the sole determining factor, but it's a significant one. ... Obviously, they're kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time. I'd like to be back in Toronto."
The Blue Jays last hosted the All-Star Game in 1991, at the then three-year-old SkyDome. It's still one of only two MLB All-Star Games to have been held outside the United States, as Montreal hosted the event in 1982.
A lot has changed in the 34 years since Toronto last hosted the Midsummer Classic. SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre in 2005, and the Blue Jays are nearing the completion of a $400-million renovation and modernization of the aging stadium.
Exactly when the event will return to Toronto remains unclear, though. Philadelphia will host next year's All-Star Game, while Chicago's Wrigley Field is expected to be officially unveiled as the 2027 host ballpark later this month, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported last week.
The Blue Jays have been pushing hard behind the scenes to host in either 2028 or '29, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. Manfred, who plans to retire in January 2029, said last year that he wants to solidify both of those games before retiring.
The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, both of whom last hosted All-Star Games over 25 years ago, are also interested in bringing the '28 or '29 iterations to their cities, Davidi reports.
The Blue Jays sent two players - first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and catcher Alejandro Kirk - to this year's All-Star Game.