MLB Players Reveal Favorite, Least Favorite Road Cities in 2026 Survey

In an unscientific survey of MLB players about their favorite and least favorite road cities to play in, Wrigley Field in Chicago rated very highly on the list of positive environments.

Per a survey conducted by The Athletic's Stephen J. Nesbitt, the two Chicago stadiums came out on opposite ends in terms of stadium ambience, with Wrigley Field being first and Rate Field being last.

Here are the top and bottom road cities in MLB based on the players who responded to Nesbitt's survey:

• Best MLB road destinations: Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals
• Worst MLB road destinations: Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates

Nesbitt did specify that most of the responses, either positive or negative, were primarily about if the "clubhouse is cramped, if the food is good, and if the crowd has juice on a lazy Tuesday" rather than any statement about the city itself.

Using that criteria, it's not hard to see why Wrigley Field would rate highly. The stadium and area around it has undergone several upgrades and renovations since 2014, including changes to the visitor clubhouse in 2018 that were famously tightly cramped for many decades.

It also helps that Wrigley routinely hosts afternoon games during the week, primarily on Friday, and fans consistently pack the park regardless of how the team is faring.

Last season, the Cubs were one of six teams to draw more than 3 million fans to home games. Four of the five other teams that broke the 3 million barrier were among the most favorable in Nesbitt's list, with the lone outlier being the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Orioles, Royals and Pirates all ranked among the bottom 10 teams in total home attendance last season. They were also on the list of players' least favorite road cities.

It's a shame, too, because PNC Park and Kauffman Stadium are often regarded as being the most aesthetically pleasing MLB stadiums.

The Pirates' early success this season with a 13-10 record might help to bump them up the list if they can sustain it for the rest of the year.