The MLB was dealt some shocking — albeit not disappointing — news on Thursday evening, when incumbent MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he'll be retiring from his commissioner position at the conclusion of his current term.
News of Manfred's decision was made via X, by MLB Network insider Jon Morosi. In the post, Morosi notes that the conclusion of Manfred's term isn't until Jan. 25th, 2029.
Rob Manfred confirmed today that he plans to retire as @MLB commissioner at the conclusion of his current term, which ends Jan. 25, 2029. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 15, 2024
Therefore, baseball fans still have nearly five more years of Manfred before he steps away and a new commissioner takes his place.
Manfred initially replaced Bud Selig as MLB commissioner in January 2015. He has since served two five-year terms — with the MLB owners voting to give him a third term in July 2023.
While speaking with reporters at Grapefruit League media day in Tampa, Fla. yesterday, Manfred said, "You can only have so much fun in one lifetime. I have been open with [owners] about the fact that this is going to be my last term."
Rob Manfred: This is going to be my last term. pic.twitter.com/1UlAAlhvap
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 15, 2024
Major League Baseball has experienced a number of massive changes since Manfred took over; most notably the successful implementation of a pitch clock last year, which facilitated a 24-minute decrease in average game time between 2022 and 2023.
However, Manfred's tenure as commissioner will be forever tethered to how he handled the Houston Astros' cheating scandal in 2017, where he elected to provide players blanket immunity in exchange for their testimony — a decision that was widely criticized by just about everyone, and which Manfred has even said was probably not the wisest choice in hindsight.
In addition to that mistake, Manfred is disliked by players because most MLB players believe he only cares about the positive opinions of team owners, instead of acting as a liaison between the two parties — which his quote about retiring would support.
In a reaction to Manfred's announcement, the 'Foul Territory' podcast — which is hosted by multiple former MLB players — claimed that Manfred was "out of touch" with the sport, because of the time he spends alongside owners.
"Out of touch!"@ErikKratz31 says that Rob Manfred is out of touch with the players and fans because he is an "extension of the owners"
?? https://t.co/1wTKXoAXyW pic.twitter.com/jkaW5niVpN
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 16, 2024
This is generally how most players and fans feel about Manfred, as well.
So while this announcement can be viewed as good news, another five years with Manfred at the MLB's helm still isn't ideal.
