MLB owners today unanimously approved a five-year contract for Commissioner-elect Rob Manfred. The deal will cover the ’15-19 seasons, and arrives three months after Manfred won election to succeed Bud Selig in January. Financial terms were not disclosed, but sources suggested the deal for Manfred will not initially match the estimated $30M per year Selig earned in the latter stages of his 22-year tenure. Selig praised team owners for approving the contract “quickly and quietly." The move represents a marked reversal from the extended rancor in the summer that preceded Manfred’s election.
On other topics, Selig said owners yesterday and today spent significant time on pace-of-play issues, particularly reviewing results from recent experimental efforts in the Arizona Fall League. While Selig said he is “pushing” for changes at the major league level in ’15 to hasten game play, he added that any details or decision is at least 30-60 days away. “The experience at the AFL made quite an impact on a lot of people,” Selig said.
Further refinements to the expanded instant replay system are also under active consideration, but Manfred said the “core” of the current system will be in place with any changes “around the edges.” Selig, often an outspoken critic of high player salaries, praised the Marlins’ record-setting deal with RF Giancarlo Stanton, and said it was a reflection of the sport’s improved economic and competitive landscape. Selig: “This is a good thing for them. They’re very excited in South Florida.”
