With All-Star festivities ending last night in Atlanta, MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred was asked about future All-Star games and had some words to say about Toronto’s chances for potential hosting duties.

“Obviously, (the Blue Jays) are kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time,” said Manfred, speaking to reporters at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America meeting yesterday. “I’d like to be back in Toronto. Rogers has made a really significant investment in terms of improvements in the stadium. To be determined at this point, beyond that… a really significant factor in terms of All-Star Games is, when did you have the last one? It is not the sole determining factor, but it’s a significant one.”

Toronto hasn’t hosted an All-Star Game since 1991, when Jack Morris of the Twins was facing Tom Glavine of the Braves, with the American League winning 4-2 on the evening. Blue Jays pitcher Jimmy Key ended up being the winning pitcher while Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. chipped in a home run as well.

While the Chicago Cubs are reportedly in the running for the 2027 All-Star Game and the festivities that follow, and with 2025 and 2026 spoken for, the next event that could land in Toronto would be the 2028 Midsummer Classic. The Cubs haven’t hosted the event since 1990, narrowly edging out Toronto on the ‘when did you have the last one? front’ from Manfred, but the investment and renovations made by the organization are helping out the cause.

Rogers put over $400 million worth of renovations in the Rogers Centre across 2023 and 2024, updating the seats and pointing them towards home plate, moving the dimensions/walls in the outfield, redoing the players’ facilities and clubhouse, and adding additional social spaces for fans to enjoy the game, such as the Corona Rooftop Patio. Shi Davidi also reports that Rogers Centre will be seeing some renovations in the 200 level as well this winter.

Having the game’s biggest stars return North of the border would be a spectacle to see, not just for fans of the game but those who love visiting the city of Toronto.

Considering the 2027 season is already in limbo due to the CBA that expires on December 1st, 2026, and a potential lockout, owning the 2028 All-Star Game may bode in the Jays’ favour when the dust settles.