A look at the plot of land at Zidell Yards that the Portland Diamond Project is looking to purchase for a potential stadium.

The latest chapter in the MLB PDX movement is here with the Portland Diamond Project announcing it has signed a letter of intent to purchase Zidell Yards on Portland’s South Waterfront to potentially be used for a baseball stadium.

The purchase includes 33 acres of land south of downtown Portland in what is currently owned by ZRZ Real Estate. There will be a 120-day due diligence period and then a timeframe of 42 months to make the purchase.

The plot of land runs against South Moody Avenue to the west and lies between Southwest Porter Street and South Gibbs Street from north to south. The Ross Island Bridge is above part of the land as well.

“This really is a dream come true,” founder and president of Portland Diamond Project Craigh Cheek said in a press release. “We’ve spent years talking about a future Major League Baseball team calling Portland home. Now we can say Portland will have professional baseball in the heart of the city, along one of Oregon’s most iconic rivers.”

Nothing has been written in stone from MLB, but this is the latest saga in the PDP trying to find a home for a baseball stadium in the Portland metro area.

Back in January, the PDP entered negotiations with the City of Portland to possibly buy 164 acres of land at the RedTail Golf Course. However, no purchase has been made out west.

Other discussed locations include where the Lloyd Center Mall currently sits and Terminal 2. Meanwhile the RedTail location is next to the highly congested Highway 217 that seems to be a nonstarter.

With Zidell Yards, north of the plot of land is a developed MAX train station that comes right off of the Tilikum Crossing Bridge, giving the location a nearby public transit option already.

There isn’t much space for parking options, but it’s close to downtown and being on the waterfront is an attractive backdrop for baseball.

“There have been numerous proposals over the years on what should become of Zidell Yards,” president of Zidell Companies Jay Zidell said in a press release. “I think the potential for a future professional baseball stadium is an ideal use of the land. Who wouldn’t want to watch baseball with the Willamette River as the backdrop?”

Not only that, but this announcement comes soon after the WNBA awarded Portland with a franchise team that is set to debut in 2026 at the Moda Center.

As MLB continues to mull over possible expansion, the PDP is trying to ensure the Rose City is an attractive location and the group feels the Zidell lot gives them the best shot.

“This is a big moment for Portland,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a press release. “This is a tremendous opportunity to shape our waterfront, create new economic opportunities, and build a vibrant and sustainable neighborhood. This builds on our growing sports economy and culture, including the recent announcement of a new WNBA franchise. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with PDP on the next steps.”