MLB instructs Athletics to explore relocation possibilities if team unable to secure new waterfront ballpark in Oakland

The Oakland Athletics could be moving to a city near you.

The MLB has released a statement that shook the baseball world, telling the Athletics organization to start exploring relocation possibilities since they are struggling to get the city of Oakland to agree to fund a waterfront location for their new ballpark.

“MLB is concerned with the rate of progress on the A’s new ballpark effort with local officials and other stakeholders in Oakland,” said the league in a statement.

“The A’s have worked very hard to advance a new ballpark in downtown Oakland for the last four years, investing significant resources while facing multiple roadblocks. We know they remain deeply committed to succeeding in Oakland, and with two other sports franchises recently leaving the community, their commitment to Oakland is now more important than ever.”

Despite the latest update, the team remains optimistic and would prefer to keep the franchise in Oakland long-term. But they admit they are against the clock, and every possibility needs to be considered moving forward.

“We’re going to immediately start working with the league on exploring other markets and working hand in hand with them to identify which ones make the most sense and pursuing that right away,” said Athletics president Dave Kaval.

“We need to keep our options open. People know, we can’t even keep the lights on here at the Coliseum.”

The franchise has been in Oakland since relocating from Kansas City back in 1968. Since the move to the west coast, they have won four World Series, five American League pennants, and 18 AL West division titles.