PR governor sets sights on MLB team

“Major League Baseball is talking about expanding its roster of teams, including the possibility of growing into Mexico,” Fortuño said. “Well if they are going to expand to Mexico, we want them to first consider Puerto Rico.”

The governor said he has already raised the issue with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.

Fortuño’s comments came Tuesday during a candidates forum sponsored by the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association.

A big league franchise would fit into other ambitious infrastructure projects including Bahia Urbana in the heart of San Juan and the tourism redevelopment plan envisioned for the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba.

“We see tremendous potential in a MLB franchise,” Fortuño said. “We would have to invest in a stadium, but we see it as attraction that can bring in a lot of new business while also providing healthy entertainment for families.”

San Juan hosted nearly two dozen of the Montreal Expos home games in 2003 as MLB searched for a permanent home for the team as it exited the Canadian city. The team eventually landed in Washington, D.C., where it was renamed the Nationals.