Major League Baseball's Commissioner has been Rob Manfred since 2015 when he succeeded Bud Selig. Yesterday, Manfred announced that his tenure as Major League Baseball commissioner will end in early 2029.
Stating, "You can only have so much fun in one lifetime. I have been open with them (the owners) about the fact that this is going to be my last term."
When Manfred signed his current term, he did not indicate that he has decided when he will step away, or whether that will be in January 2029.
"No, I just started — the ink ain't dry," Manfred said laughing. "I don't know the answer to that."
Now in his third contract as commissioner, his plan has been set. He will officially step away from the game in early 2029.
Manfred has also laid out a plan for what he expects the league to look like when his term is close to an end. Manfred said he is confident the A's deal to move to Las Vegas is "solid."
He added the club has been "thorough" in evaluating an interim home covering the '25, '26 and '27 seasons before the scheduled Las Vegas opening in 2028. (Morosi, MLB Network)
Manfred also added that he would like to have the MLB expansion process to 32 teams "in place" by the time his tenure as commissioner ends in early 2029. clarifying that having the process "in place" does not necessarily mean the franchises would be awarded.
The 2023-2024 offseason is fully underway with Spring Training approaching. Manfred also added, "We would prefer to have a free agency signing period, ideally in December, with a deadline."
Rob Manfred has gotten both ends of critics throughout his tenure as MLB commissioner. With 2029 just five years away, Manfred has a bit of time to make his final mark on America's pastime.
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