Rob Manfred meets with Oakland mayor while A's relocation plan proceeds

After weeks of speaking dismissively and even sarcastically about the perceived lack of a viable stadium proposal or fan support in Oakland, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is still referring to the A’s current home in the past tense, saying this week, “We didn’t find a solution to keep the A’s in Oakland. That’s No. 1 on the disappointment list.”

But that hasn’t stopped Manfred from continuing to meet with Oakland city officials.

During the league’s now-concluded All-Star Game events in Seattle, Manfred met with Oakland mayor Sheng Thao, who sought to counter Manfred’s assertion that there was never a solid stadium proposal from Bay Area officials.

The meeting, at Thao’s request, happened as the A’s still plan to move to Las Vegas and also search for an interim home for the 2025-27 seasons. Thao presented Manfred and each team owner with an extensive document outlining Oakland’s two-site stadium and development proposal for Howard Terminal and the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum property.

“Until there is an actual shovel in the ground in Las Vegas, we will not stop trying to keep the team where they belong — in Oakland,” Thao said in a letter to Manfred that was part of the presented document.

Meeting Makes Sense

Despite Manfred’s prior comments, his move to continue some level of talks with Oakland is not surprising — it’s in MLB’s best interest to maintain open dialogue.  

Not only do numerous hurdles still need to be cleared before the A’s move to Nevada is finalized, but MLB continually needs cooperation from civic leaders near each franchise on a wide range of issues, particularly related to facilities, regulation, and special events.