Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced on Thursday that he plans to retire when his current term ends in January 2029. Manfred, who succeeded Bud Selig in January 2015, will have served as the commissioner of Major League Baseball for 14 years by the time his term concludes.
Speaking at a spring training news conference, Manfred cited his age and the desire to make the most of his lifetime as reasons for his decision to retire. At the time of his retirement, he will be 70 years old.
During his tenure, Manfred has made significant contributions to the sport. His efforts include implementing pace-of-play initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion within the league, and expanding MLB's global reach. Under his leadership, baseball has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of sports.
Owners of MLB teams previously voted in November 2018 to extend Manfred's contract through the 2024 season. Last July, they approved his latest term, which will see him complete his final five years as commissioner. Manfred expressed his commitment to stepping down after this term, having already informed the owners of his decision prior to the election.
The process of selecting Manfred's successor has not yet begun, and potential candidates have not been publicly identified. However, it is expected that a committee of owners will be assembled to identify and interview candidates, ultimately presenting a slate of individuals for consideration.
One of the key issues yet to be resolved during Manfred's tenure is the need for new ballparks for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. In November, MLB granted approval for the Athletics to relocate to Las Vegas, where they hope to establish a new ballpark by 2028. Similarly, the Rays are pushing for a new stadium adjacent to their current Tropicana Field.
Manfred expressed his hope to witness the opening day of both the Tampa Bay and Las Vegas ballparks before his retirement. However, he acknowledged that the process of expansion to 32 teams, which could potentially include new markets, might not be completed before his term ends in 2029. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of having the expansion process in place and operational before his departure.
As Rob Manfred's retirement looms, the baseball community will reflect on his contributions as commissioner. While there are still challenges to address, including new ballparks and potential expansion, Manfred's leadership has undoubtedly shaped the future of Major League Baseball. MLB will now embark on the search for a new commissioner to guide the league into its next chapter.
