Rob Manfred, the commissioner of baseball, said on Thursday that he will step down from his position in January 2029.
During a press conference for spring training, Manfred mentioned that when his time as commissioner expires on January 25, 2029, he will be 70 years old and have served for 14 years.
Manfred remarked, “You can only have so much fun in one lifetime.”
As baseball’s tenth commissioner, Manfred, 65, took over for Bud Selig in January 2015 and was appointed to a five-year term.
The owners decided in July to ratify Manfred’s most recent term after voting in November 2018 to offer him a new contract that would last until the 2024 season.
Manfred remarked, “I have been honest with them about the fact that this will be my last term.” “I stated as much.
“In the first fought election for a new commissioner in forty-six years, Manfred defeated Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. Just before the voting began, Tim Brosnan, the executive vice president of baseball’s business division, withdrew as the third contender.
No one has openly declared themselves a candidate to replace Manfred. Since 2017, Dan Halem, who began his career with MLB in 2007 as general counsel for labor, has served as deputy commissioner. In May, he will turn 58.
Manfred remarked, “I’m sure the selection process will look like it did the last time.” “A committee comprising owners will be formed to identify potential candidates. Following an interview process, one or more candidates will be proposed.”
One of the main unanswered problems from Manfred’s termare the Oakland Athletics’ and Tampa Bay Rays’ new ballparks. In November, Oakland was granted permission by MLB to relocate to Las Vegas, where the A’s intend to construct a new ballpark that will open in 2028.
Tampa Bay is to build a new ballpark next to Tropicana Field, which is scheduled to open in 2028.
“I hope to be here to attend both Tampa Bay and Las Vegas’ opening day in my capacity as commissioner,” Manfred remarked.
He doesn’t think the 32-team expansion will be finished by 2028.
“Really, I don’t think those clubs would be playing before I’m done,” Manfred remarked. “Before I leave, I would like the process to be established and functioning.”