He also refused to speculate on whether the league would take Texas out of the running if the state Legislature passes a GOP-backed elections bill, a measure that prompted state House Democrats on Monday to stage a walkout.
Texas has two MLB teams: the Texas Rangers, which unveiled a new ballpark in Arlington last year, and the Houston Astros.
“I think the decision, with respect to Atlanta, was probably the hardest thing I’ve been asked to do so far,” Mr. Manfred said. “I’m kind of hoping it’s going to be the hardest thing I’m asked to do, period. Having said that, I’m not going to speculate who’s going to pass what law and where we might take jewel events. It’s hard enough to deal with it in the concrete, real time. I just don’t think it’s productive for me.”