Why the time is right for Toronto to host an All-Star Game

The year is 1991. The Toronto Blue Jays were in the middle of another playoff push that would ultimately finish with their third division title. The (then known as) Skydome was in its third year of existence, and it was where the baseball world gathered mid-July for the Midsummer Classic.

It's been 34 years since MLB took its All-Star Game north of the border. At the time, it was only the second instance that the annual game took place outside of the United States (Montreal, 1982). 1991 also marks the lone time Toronto hosted the All-Star Game, which may not be the case for much longer.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke with the media at a Baseball Writers of America meeting before Tuesday's All-Star Game in Atlanta. He stated that Toronto is in line to host its second All-Star Game and is a big favorite for it.

Why Toronto deserves another All-Star game

"Obviously, (the Blue Jays) are kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time,” Manfred commented. “I'd like to be back in Toronto. Rogers has made a really significant investment in terms of improvements in the stadium. TBD at this point, beyond that." Per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the earliest the Blue Jays could host an All-Star game would be 2028. The Philadelphia Phillies have 2026 and the Chicago Cubs are expected to receive the 2027 edition.

Here are three reasons why the timing for Toronto's second All-Star Game could not be any better.

The renovations

Rogers Centre began a three-phase renovation plan back in 2022. Phase one focused on the 500 level and the outfield during the 2022-23 offseason. Not only were the seats in the upper deck replaced, but multiple new social spaces were created throughout the outfield.

The 2023-24 offseason saw phase two unfold with the 100 level. Those renovations also saw brand new seating which included sections 136-140 and 108-112 now facing the infield. New premium sections were added behind home plate, enriching the experience of attending a Blue Jays game.
The final stage of renovations is expected to begin after the 2025 season, replacing the seating in the 200 level, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

The difference from what the Rogers Centre looked like back in 1991 to today is day and night. It's safe to say that entering the stadium truly feels like a proper baseball atmosphere for the sport's purists. With all the social spaces in full swing and the premium clubs catering to those who can afford the extra cost, it would be a perfect attraction for visiting fans to attend.

The new outfield dimensions should enhance the Home Run Derby

One of the key aspects of the Rogers Centre renovations were the new bullpens in the outfield, which affected a portion of the dimensions.

Left and right-center field both measured 375 feet before the renovations reduced them to 368 feet and 372 feet, respectively. The centerfield wall's height was reduced from ten feet to eight. In theory, it's changes like these which should produce more home runs.

According to Baseball Savant, the Rogers Centre ranked sixth in the Majors with a metric of 117 in 2022, prior to the renovations. In 2023, the number dropped to 95, good for 18th in the Majors. 2024 saw a slight increase to 100 (15th in MLB), and now, in 2025, it has risen to 125, third in the league.

Should the trend continue to rise post-renovations, and Rogers Centre once again find it's status as a "hitters park," then it should be a great stage to knock out some dingers.

It's long overdue

Commissioner Manfred stated that time is a factor when selecting a venue for the All-Star Game. Let's face it, 34 years for MLB's only Canadian team is a very long time. Toronto is also one of three clubs to host the All-Star Game once (Arizona Diamondbacks 2011, Miami Marlins 2017).

Since 1991, seven ballclubs have hosted the All-Star Game more than once, limiting the parity for other teams in the league to get the game.

Toronto may not have been an attractive place when you're comparing it to ballparks like T-Mobile Park in Seattle or Petco Park in San Diego. However, Toronto continues to be a popular destination for tourism, and can get rowdy for baseball. And now that the venue is in tiptop shape for baseball, it's too attractive to pass up.

Make the call, Commissioner Manfred. It's time to bring the Midsummer Classic back to Toronto.