MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred gave a wide-ranging press conference Tuesday at the MLB Winter Meetings
SAN DIEGO — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred touched on topics ranging from the future of the Oakland A’s to the impact of the big contracts handed to Trea Turner and Justin Verlander on the first day of the MLB Winter Meetings. Tuesday here in San Diego.
Here are some highlights from Manfred’s briefing, which lasted just over 20 minutes.
Rob Manfred frequently participated in MLB’s Winter Meetings in San Diego
on the Oakland A’s and their possible move to Las Vegas
“We are beyond any reasonable timetable for resolving the situation in Oakland. If you read the collective bargaining agreement, you know there is an actual catalyst there, and I think it’s like January 15th, 2024, and they need to make a deal by then, so that’s a very important year.
“If Oakland wants to keep the A’s, they need to find a way to get a deal acceptable to the A’s.
An owner who is willing to invest a billion dollars in building a statement is an incredible commitment on the part of a property owner.
I haven’t spoken to the new mayor (Cheng Thao) yet, but I will in the near future. I am happy to report that I understand that she has been supportive of the project.”
on me Lawsuits between the Angelos family That could affect the future of the Baltimore Orioles
“As long as I have this job, I think you can count on the fact that the Orioles will be in Baltimore.”
On Sale Los Angeles Angels
“There are multiple parties in the data room, where you actually see the financial information. It is an important step in the process. My understanding is that the club would like to resolve the sale before opening day.”
About the possibility of the Boston Red Sox or Chicago Cubs hosting an All-Star Game in the near future
“We have Seattle next season. We have Texas in 2024, and we know we’re going to Philadelphia in 2026. So the window is there for 2025 or after 2026.
“We’re fortunate, and this is in the get-rich-embarrassment category, that we have a number of really good cities that are very interested in having All-Star Games. Those are the cities that will give us an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the game and have a great celebration. We’re going to try to make the best decisions we can about where we’re going. mechanism “.
Looking back on the decision to move the All-Star Game from Atlanta to Denver in 2021
“I think whatever you do, whether you get it right or not, I hope you still have the ability to learn from it. I think we’ve been really focused on the idea that we need to make decisions that are as inclusive and inclusive as possible, keep us as apolitical as possible and put us in a position where we can of doing everything we look forward to doing at any of our events.”
On whether he spoke to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who He said he would boycott MLB events After an All-Star Game decision affecting Atlanta and Denver (the Texas Rangers will host ASG in 2024)
“I will give you a one-word answer to that and no more, out of respect for the governor, and the answer to that is yes.”
About what to look for with upcoming rule changes
“It’s a combination of things because every rule is a little bit different. I think, in general, we hope and our experience suggests that there will be an improvement in the pace of play and more attacking work, not just with the balls in play but in the running game as well.
“52 percent of the players in the major leagues last year played by the pitch clock. There will be a period of adjustment and I always try to do my best to recognize that. A lot of players have told me in the past few months that there is a big difference between minor league baseball and major league baseball, And I understand all of those things. I think there will be a period of adjustment but these are great athletes and they will adapt to these changes.”
On the big contracts already delivered this off-season
“The free agent market is going to be the same, right? It’s the product of a whole combination of economic forces and individual decisions through the process of what they want to do.
“On the positive side, a week in December where the focus is on the players and where they are going is good in terms of marketing the game. On the negative side, everyone in this room understands the true level of revenue disparity in the sport that makes it impossible for some of our markets to compete. Like everything else, there is good and bad.”
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