The tenure of Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is coming to a close, as the 65-year-old announced on Thursday. However, it won’t be until 2029 that his time as commissioner officially ends. Manfred made this announcement on Thursday, stating that he will not seek another term once his current contract expires. This news is welcomed by many baseball fans who have been critical of his controversial statements and changes. In addition to this announcement, Manfred also addressed the recent introduction of redesigned on-field jerseys by the league and Nike, defending their new look.
During a press conference in Florida, Manfred addressed the criticism surrounding the new jerseys, which have faced scrutiny for their appearance and materials. He described them as “performance wear” that has undergone extensive testing. According to SNY TV, Manfred stated, “The jerseys are different – they’re designed to be performance wear. They have been tested more extensively than any jersey in any sport. After people wear them a little bit, they’re going to be really popular.” He also mentioned that players had positive feedback about the new jerseys when they wore them during the 2023 All-Star Game. However, it’s important to note that those were new designs separate from the existing uniforms and did not include the small numbers and letters that have received widespread criticism from fans.
Given the nature of these changes, it’s understandable why fans and even some players are displeased. Another significant topic discussed during Manfred’s press conference was the potential expansion of MLB to 32 teams. This expansion has been under consideration for some time, with various cities such as Nashville, Austin, Portland, and Salt Lake City being evaluated as potential locations. Manfred emphasized the importance of having the expansion process “in place” by 2029, although it doesn’t guarantee an official decision will be made by then. However, it does pave the way for an imminent decision to be made.
Manfred has previously expressed his desire to resolve the Oakland A’s relocation situation before proceeding with expansion. With Las Vegas emerging as a potential destination for 2028, this timeline aligns with his plans. Another issue addressed by Manfred was the criticism surrounding the slow pace of free agency, as notable players like Blake Snell and Cody Bellinger remain unsigned as spring training begins. In response, he expressed the league’s desire to establish a “free agency signing period, ideally in December, with a deadline.” However, the players’ association did not respond positively to a similar proposal put forth by the league. Players and agents may believe that condensing the signing period would diminish their bargaining power as the regular season approaches, potentially affecting overall interest in the game.
Ultimately, Rob Manfred’s role as commissioner revolves around serving the 30 MLB owners, who view his performance favorably. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, revenues have increased. The league’s efforts to address the pace of play have been largely successful, resulting in higher ratings and attendance. Additionally, progress has been made in reducing local television blackouts for most teams, which is expected to generate greater interest. However, Manfred’s tenure has also been marked by controversial decisions, such as his lenient treatment of players involved in the 2017 Houston Astros cheating scandal. Furthermore, his dismissive remarks about the World Series trophy have raised concerns about his appreciation for the sport. It remains to be seen whether his successor in 2029 will fare any better, as MLB owners have a history of making questionable decisions.
According to the Source outkick.com