MLB Eyeing Return To Australia As Early As '24, Melbourne Favored

MLB wants to return to play in Australia "as early as 2024," and Melbourne is "considered the frontrunner to host the marquee fixture," according to Gilbert Gardiner of NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA. The Australian series is "on the agenda for the MLB collective bargaining agreement starting 2022." MLB Senior VP/Int'l Jim Small confirmed the league’s interest, saying, "We’ll have a decent chance, in that next play plan hopefully, to play games in Australia, if we’re invited, and if we find the right partner to do it." Small indicated that MLB already has "'looked at' Marvel Stadium and how a regulation diamond and outfield would fit inside the weatherproof multipurpose arena." Gardiner noted Sydney hosted the "widely-acclaimed" '14 opening series between the Dodgers and D-backs at Sydney Cricket Ground. Baseball Australia CEO Cam Vale "welcomed the MLB’s continued commitment" (NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA, 10/15).