Barry Larkin Joins Orlando Dreamers' MLB Expansion Bid

Barry Larkin, the Hall of Famer and Cincinnati Reds legend, has joined the Orlando Dreamers as an ambassador in their quest to bring a Major League Baseball team to Orlando, Florida. Larkin believes Orlando is the most compelling market for a new MLB franchise, supported by strong investor interest, including nearly $500 million in verbal commitments for a proposed $1.7 billion domed stadium. The Dreamers aim to either lure the struggling Tampa Bay Rays, who face funding challenges for their current stadium, or secure a new franchise through MLB's expansion process. Larkin has engaged with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who views Orlando as a viable option for a team. The group's plans include a 50-50 public-private funding model for the stadium, which they hope to finalize in the coming months. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Rays' stadium situation makes Orlando's proposal particularly timely and strategic.