Rob Manfred, who has presided over a wave of major changes in MLB in recent years, will continue to make his mark on the sport for years to come.
MLB issued a statement Wednesday that the 64-year-old commissioner has received a four-year contract extension that will take him through the 2028 season.
Manfred assumed the role of commissioner before the 2015 season.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 26, 2023
Manfred has been hailed for his work in pushing through major changes, such as the addition of the revolutionary pitch clock this season. He also helped guide the sport through two collective bargaining agreements. One negotiation resulted in a lockout, although no games were canceled.
While Manfred came under fire for several decisions — notably his laissez-faire reaction to the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal — he delivered in one key area owners crave, as the sport saw record revenue of $10.8 billion in 2022.
News of Manfred’s contract extension drew an outpouring of comments from his many critics.
Major League Baseball owners have voted to extend Commissioner Rob Manfred’s contract thru 2029. *sigh*
— Gunz (@TheGunzShow) July 26, 2023
Rob Manfred and the owners hate baseball and only love money. They are ruining baseball, which does not belong to them. This is devastating for actual baseball fans.
— Jane ن 🇺🇲⚾ (@TheLadyJane) July 26, 2023
The bad news is that Rob Manfred will remain MLB Commissioner through 2029. The good news is that we'll all probably be underwater by then so none of this will matter.
— The Real Avery Lynch (@YoungBull_Lynch) July 26, 2023
Terrible for baseball, great for billionaire owners. No surprise. 🤦♂️🤔
— (Un)Rooted In Oakland – SELL THE TEAM (@OaklandRooted) July 26, 2023
Great move , he’s the one who implemented the pitch clock & all the other rules this season that have made baseball a better sport IMO..
— KD (@CincyKD_513) July 26, 2023
A bunch of terrible rule changes & a player strike on his watch. This is still their guy? 👍
— Ken Hill (@khillj) July 26, 2023
If we’re being honest. Vladimir Putin would be a much better MLB commissioner than that bucktooth gopher, Rob Manfred.
— Gerardo Garcia (@DeNunez27) July 26, 2023