Multiple Canadian cities could become MLB expansion candidates due to surging interest in baseball across the country, commissioner Rob Manfred said Saturday before Game 2 of the World Series. Montreal and Vancouver are both viable options beyond Toronto, which has been the league's only Canadian team for over two decades.

Manfred spoke favorably about Canada's potential for expansion amid the Blue Jays' successful World Series run. The team's ALCS clinching game averaged 6 million viewers on Sportsnet, representing approximately 15 percent of Canada's entire population.

"There are certainly other cities in Canada [beyond Montreal] that would be viable expansion candidates," Manfred said.

The Blue Jays currently have the largest territory of any MLB club. They serve Canada's entire population of 41 million alone.

Manfred said last month he would like to have two new markets selected before his tenure ends in early 2029. The teams would likely not begin play before that date, and expansion would probably involve large-scale realignment.

Nashville and Salt Lake City have been most frequently cited as leading expansion candidates. However, nothing has been made official and the expansion process remains undefined.

"The Blue Jays have done a phenomenal job, not only in the home market but throughout Canada, developing an audience and developing a fan base," Manfred said. "The viewership numbers we've had from Canada throughout the postseason are really a boost to the game."

Montreal previously hosted the Expos from 1969 to 2004 and has been frequently mentioned as a candidate to regain a team. The commissioner's comments suggest Canada could potentially support multiple franchises given the current surge in baseball interest.