Barry Larkin connection adds unexpected Reds twist to MLB relocation buzz

The seemingly inevitable expansion of Major League Baseball will likely have little impact on the Cincinnati Reds. Perhaps there would be more games with the in-state rival Cleveland Guardians, but otherwise, the nearly 150-year-old franchise shouldn’t see many changes. Former Reds star Barry Larkin, though, seems deeply invested in MLB’s next act.

Larkin, a Hall of Famer, has cast his lot with the group that is seeking to bring a franchise to Orlando. Larkin now lives in central Florida and has been an outspoken advocate for the push for baseball in Orlando.

The Dreamers, as the proposed team is called, is the brainchild of Jim Schnorf and the late Pat Williams, who brought the NBA’s Magic to Orlando in 1989. The franchise seems closer to fruition now than ever as the Rays’ stadium deal remains up in the air.

MLB expansion: Reds legend Barry Larkin has ambition to bring baseball to Orlando

Orlando is the largest media market in the US without an MLB franchise. The Dreamers have spent the past seven years building a foundation for the big-league squad. Larkin has been actively involved for the past year. Johnny Damon has also signed on as a strategic advisor.

Orlando’s path to the majors may be smoother since Hurricane Milton ravaged Tropicana Field in 2024. The Rays have a tentative deal with Hillsborough Community College to build a new stadium on the campus by 2029, but much can happen in three years.

If the deal falls through, a move to Orlando could be in the cards for the Rays. Given that Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to add two brand new teams to the league by 2029, a move of an existing franchise improves the chances of Orlando hosting a team.

The other possible expansion location that could affect the Reds is Nashville. The Music City is only about four hours away from Cincinnati (not including the time change). That’s closer than any team currently in the NL Central. If Manfred opts to align clubs along geographic lines, the Reds could be traveling south much more frequently in the next few years.