While MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) were attempting to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by the league’s self-imposed deadline, Derek Jeter announced he was stepping down as CEO of the Miami Marlins.
“Today I am announcing that the Miami Marlins and I are officially ending our relationship and I will no longer serve as CEO nor as a shareholder in the Club,” Jeter said in a statement. “We had a vision five years ago to turn the Marlins franchise around, and as CEO, I have been proud to put my name and reputation on the line to make our plan a reality.
“Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the workforce, and developing a long-term strategic plan for success. That said, the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead. Now is the right time for me to step aside as a new season begins.
“My family and I would like to thank our incredible staff, Marlins fans, Marlins players, and the greater Miami community for welcoming us with open arms and making us feel at home. The organization is stronger today than it was five years ago, and I am thankful and grateful to have been a part of this team.”
News of Jeter relinquishing his role with the Marlins sent shockwaves throughout the industry and was met by rampant speculation over what fueled the decision. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner believes that to have been Jeter not being content with the Marlins’ presumed conservative approach.
Hot take
My sources, common sense and reading in between the lines, tell me that one of our games greatest champions,Derek Jeter, is stepping away from a team with one of the best young pitching staffs in the game because ownership isn’t committed to winning and spending pic.twitter.com/93my6XrLZC— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 28, 2022
the money to try and win. Derek Jeter is a winner and if you ask him to lose he’s going to step away. Thanks for your continued years of leadership and everything you’ve done for our game DJ
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 28, 2022
And just to confirm, I have not spoke with spoke Derek Jeter
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 28, 2022
Jeter was part of an ownership group led by Bruce Sherman that purchased the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria for $1.2 billion in 2017. Jeter obtained a 4% stake in the franchise as part of the deal, and was responsible for day-to-day business and running baseball operations.
The early stages of Jeter’s tenure included trading Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozunna, Dee Strange-Gordon, Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto, which garnered plenty of criticism. But under his direction the Marlins also developed Sandy Alcantara, Jazz Chisholm and Lewin Diaz, among others.
From 2018-21, the Marlins only went 218-327 but did manage to reach the postseason in 2020 for the first time in 17 years.
Jeter helped raise Marlins’ profile
During his time as Marlins CEO, Jeter helped the franchise secure a new stadium naming rights deal for loanDepot park, new TV distribution contract and new uniforms. Jeter also hired former Dodgers executive Kim Ng, who became the first female general manager in MLB history.
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