The Rob Manfred period of Main League Baseball is coming into its closing years. On Friday, Manfred introduced his present five-year contract might be his final as MLB’s commissioner, and he’ll retire in 2029. Manfred, 65, has been commissioner since formally succeeding Bud Selig in Jan. 2015. He might be stepping away at age 70.
“You’ll be able to solely have a lot enjoyable in a single lifetime,” Manfred stated Friday. “I’ve been open with (the homeowners) about the truth that that is going to be my final time period.”
Manfred is deeply unpopular with baseball followers — he is booed every time he seems publicly — although the very fact of the matter is the following commissioner could be very prone to function the identical method. Possibly that individual might be a greater public speaker than Manfred and never come off as condescending, however the job itself won’t change.
With the caveat that loads – A LOT – can and can change over the following 5 years, listed here are 5 potential candidates to exchange Manfred come 2029, listed alphabetically.
1. Theo Epstein
Minority proprietor and part-time advisor, Fenway Sports activities Group
Epstein, the person who ended historic World Collection droughts with the Boston Pink Sox and Chicago Cubs, has been speculated as a future commissioner for years now. He joined MLB in 2021 and consulted with the commissioner’s workplace on on-field issues till leaving to be a part of Fenway Sports activities Group earlier this month. If nothing else, Epstein would command prompt respect in a excessive profile position. His monitor report speaks for itself. Whether or not the homeowners really feel he is cutthroat sufficient to perform their targets – and whether or not Epstein even needs the job – is one other matter.
2. Noah Backyard
MLB’s deputy commissioner, enterprise and media
Baseball’s media panorama is altering and the way forward for streaming and direct-to-consumer packages is perhaps the most important matter going through the league in Manfred’s closing years and his alternative’s early years. Backyard oversees crucial departments resembling broadcasting, company partnerships, sports activities betting, and many others. The game’s core money-making ventures, principally. His expertise within the media and broadcasting world might work in his favor when the time comes to call Manfred’s alternative.
3. Dan Halem
MLB’s deputy commissioner, baseball administration
The early favourite to succeed Manfred. Halem began with MLB in 2007 and has been the league’s chief labor negotiator since 2014, when he changed Manfred upon Manfred taking on as commissioner. Halen was on the desk with the MLBPA throughout the 2021-22 lockout. Manfred started his profession as outdoors counsel after which grew to become MLB’s chief labor negotiator beneath Bud Selig. Halem is ostensibly being groomed to exchange Manfred the identical method Manfred was groomed to exchange Selig.
4. Morgan Sword
MLB’s govt vp, baseball operations
Sword works primarily on the planet of on-field issues. He was a central determine in getting the game again up and working amid the pandemic in 2020, and he is additionally engaged on varied rule adjustments. Stricter enforcement of the overseas substance position, an overhaul of the minor leagues, the pitch clock, bigger bases, and many others. Sword performed a task in making all that occur. Additionally, Sword isn’t but 40, so he’s a younger govt who might probably step in as commissioner and maintain the job for a really very long time, offering stability.
5. Tom Werner
Chairman, Boston Pink Sox
Werner was the runner-up to Manfred in 2014, when Manfred wanted six rounds of voting to get accredited. That was MLB’s first contested vote for a brand new commissioner in nearly 50 years. Werner, who has a background in broadcasting, might once more be a candidate this time round, although he’s a number of years older than Manfred. Manfred is planning to retire at 70. Werner is 73. It appears unlikely the homeowners would approve a commissioner who could also be only some years away from retirement himself. By no means say by no means, however Werner would look like an extended shot candidate to exchange Manfred.
