Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

This episode features a comprehensive discussion about Major League Baseball's potential realignment and expansion plans, featuring insights from former professional players Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida.

Key Topics Discussed MLB Realignment Plans

• Commissioner Rob Manfred has been discussing realignment for approximately a decade
• Plans potentially tied to the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiration in December 2026
• Balancing tradition and history with modernization needs
• Recent rule changes (pitch clock, bigger bases) have been well-received, suggesting fans can adapt to changes

Expansion Possibilities

• Potential new cities mentioned:
  • Nashville (most frequently discussed)
  • Salt Lake City
  • Raleigh
  • Montreal (return)
• Two additional teams would create 50 new roster spots 
• New teams would require complete farm system development

Player Perspective on Travel & Schedule

• Current 162-game schedule creates significant wear and tear
• Cross-country flights after late games (finishing at 10:30-11:00 PM) followed by 2:00 AM departures
• Potential schedule reduction to 156 games being considered
• Geographic realignment could reduce travel burdens

Collective Bargaining Implications

• Realignment may be a negotiating tool for owners ahead of 2026 CBA talks
• Salary cap discussions:
  • Players' opinions
  • Would potentially hurt middle-tier players most
  • Baseball's historically strong players union
  • Revenue sharing and competitive balance

Tax Implications for Players

• Players taxed based on where games are played (prorated basis)
• Realignment could significantly impact players' take-home pay

Financial Considerations

• Franchise valuations at all-time highs
• Revenue sharing already addresses some competitive imbalance
• Tax implications could influence free agent decisions
• Middle-tier players most vulnerable under potential salary cap

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