{"id":342165,"date":"2026-06-02T00:20:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/342165\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T00:20:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:20:48","slug":"lee-no-question-sacramento-is-ready-for-mlb-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/342165\/","title":{"rendered":"Lee: ‘No question’ Sacramento is ready for MLB expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"

MLB expansion efforts in Sacramento continue to gain momentum<\/a>, and former MLB All-Star Derrek Lee believes the region has everything necessary to support a Major League Baseball franchise.<\/p>\n

Lee, a Sacramento native, former El Camino Fundamental High School standout, and 15-year MLB veteran, recently joined Sactown Sports\u2019 The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross<\/a> to discuss Sacramento\u2019s growing push to land an expansion team.<\/p>\n

The effort is being spearheaded by a new organization called \u201cThe Sacramento Pitch,\u201d which unveiled plans for a new ballpark and entertainment district in the city\u2019s River District.<\/p>\n

For Lee, Sacramento\u2019s viability as a Major League city is not up for debate.<\/p>\n

\u201cSacramento being capable of housing a Major League Baseball team for me, that\u2019s not a question,\u201d Lee said. \u201cThat\u2019s off the table. That\u2019s a certainty. We are a Major League Baseball franchise city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Sacramento<\/p>\n

(The Sacramento Pitch)<\/p>\n

More on Sacramento\u2019s MLB Expansion push<\/p>\n

Having played in nearly every MLB market during a decorated career that included two All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, a National League batting title in 2005, and a World Series championship with the Florida Marlins in 2003, Lee believes Sacramento compares favorably to existing baseball cities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have everything you need,\u201d Lee said. \u201cNot only for the home team and raising a family, but also as a visitor coming into town. We want a nice hotel room, we want food, we want a nice stadium, and great fans. I think when you come into Sacramento, that is the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lee also pointed to the region\u2019s passionate sports culture as a major selling point.<\/p>\n

\u201cSacramento\u2019s sports base is up there with the best of them,\u201d Lee said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen evidence of that with the Kings. I just think at its core, Sacramento is a baseball city. We love baseball. I think we would support a baseball team, no question.\u201d<\/p>\n

The proposed expansion bid still faces significant hurdles, most notably securing a controlling ownership group capable of meeting MLB\u2019s financial requirements.<\/p>\n

Sacramento is also expected to compete against markets such as Portland, Salt Lake City, and Vancouver when MLB eventually selects expansion cities.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA \u2013 MAY 21: A general view of Sutter Health Park as the Athletics take on the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning on May 21, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Still, Lee remains optimistic about Sacramento\u2019s chances.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t try to lead anyone on,\u201d Lee said. \u201cIt\u2019s cautious optimism. The first thing I did was make some calls of my own to make sure this was real and a possibility. It\u2019s real.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the road to MLB expansion remains long, Sacramento\u2019s supporters believe the region\u2019s growth, baseball history, and passionate fan base make it one of the strongest candidates in the West, and Lee\u2019s stamp of approval only adds to that notion.<\/p>\n

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the\u00a0Sactown Sports YouTube channel.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to\u00a0The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross\u00a0from 6 \u2013 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n

More MLB content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

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