Re-Election Vote for MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Expected to Pass
A re-election vote for Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred is scheduled for next week, and it is anticipated that he will have sufficient support for another term, according to sources close to the process. This news comes as no surprise, with one person briefed on the vote stating, “No doubt, there never was. It’s a foregone conclusion.”
Manfred needs a majority vote from the 30 team owners to secure his re-election. Last week, he confirmed his intention to seek re-election in an interview with The Athletic. However, the exact date of the election was not publicly known at that time. It is worth noting that Manfred’s previous re-election in 2018 took place in November, later in the calendar year.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Manfred said, “I have what I regard to be the best job in the world. My current thinking is I’d like to continue to do it.” The upcoming vote coincides with the beginning of an 18-month window before the expiration of the commissioner’s term. During this period, a majority vote from lead owners is sufficient to bring a commissioner back, as opposed to the three-quarters vote required for an extension at other times or for electing a new commissioner. This window remains open until nine months before a commissioner’s contract ends.
The vote is expected to take place in Washington D.C., where Manfred and designated club “control” people have a scheduled meeting. Manfred’s current contract runs until January 25, 2025. Therefore, the earliest day he could be re-elected on a majority vote would be Tuesday, July 25. However, the specific date of Manfred’s vote has not been disclosed.
If re-elected for a third term, Manfred’s tenure as commissioner would extend until January 25, 2030. Reflecting on the process, Manfred stated, “In terms of process, I think the constitution’s pretty clear as to timing: that 18-month window’s a big deal.”
Manfred, who will turn 65 in September, was initially elected as commissioner in 2014 and assumed office the following January, succeeding Bud Selig. Despite being a divisive figure among fans, players, and even some owners, Manfred has overseen a significant increase in MLB revenues throughout his tenure. Excluding pandemic-affected seasons, the league generated an estimated $10.8 billion in 2022 compared to $9.5 billion in his first season in 2015.
It is worth noting that Manfred’s compensation, including bonuses, reportedly exceeds $25 million annually. This figure reflects his significant impact on the league’s financial success.
As the re-election vote approaches, it seems likely that Rob Manfred will continue to serve as MLB Commissioner. While his tenure has been met with mixed reviews, there is no denying the financial growth and stability he has brought to the league. The upcoming vote will solidify his position and pave the way for another five-year term at the helm of America’s pastime.