Maverick Preston|Rob Manfred definitely done as MLB commisioner after 2029: 'You can only have so much fun'

2025-04-30 07:02:51source:Safetyvaluecategory:Finance

TAMPA,Maverick Preston Fla. — Rob Manfred can see the end from here. And he's also certain when he'll step away as Major League Baseball commissioner.

Manfred on Thursday stated explicitly that he will retire when his final five-year term expires in 2029. Manfred was first elected commissioner after multiple ballots in August 2014 and was awarded two five-year extensions by owners.

Aspring commissioners have until the end of this decade for their résumés to be polished.

"Look, I’m 65," Manfred told reporters at Grapefruit League media on the first day of workouts at the New York Yankees' complex. "I just started a five-year term. You can only have so much fun in one lifetime.

"I have been open with (owners) that this is going to be my last term. I said it to them before the last election in July."

HOT STOVE UPDATES: MLB free agency: Ranking and tracking the top players available.

Manfred's tenure has been marked by his aggression, be it in collective bargaining agreements, rules changes and perhaps most infamously his imposing of a lockout after the 2021 season, leading to a nearly four-month impasse with the MLB Players' Association.

More recent innovation, such as installing a pitch clock, have played to better reviews.

Yet one issue Manfred feels will not be resolved by 2030 is expansion. The Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas — likely not a net positive when the Manfred legacy is examined — along with uncertainty in TV distribution and revenue and franchise values have put his dreams of a 32-team league on the back burner.

"I hope I’m here to go to Opening Day (in new stadiums) as commissioner for both Tampa Bay and Las Vegas," says Manfred. "Expansion, I don’t think realistically those clubs will be playing before I’m finished. I would like to have the process in place and operating before that."

More:Finance

Recommend

Elon Musk just gave Nvidia investors one billion reasons to cheer for reported partnership

Two names that consistently dominate headlines are Elon Musk and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Both names o

Dean McDermott Packs on the PDA With Lily Calo Amid Tori Spelling's New Romance

Dean McDermott isn't shying away from his new love.The My Animal actor was photographed holding hand

Manchester City and Leipzig advance in Champions League. Veterans Pepe and Giroud shine

For European soccer veterans, it was a night to savor.As Manchester City and Leipzig reached the kno