The MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, addressed several topics of interest during a recent press conference, including key decisions about the future of the sport.
The Impact of Decisions on Pete Rose
One of the most discussed decisions was the stance on Pete Rose. Manfred revealed that the support of former President Donald Trump influenced the decision that permanent bans in the sport end with death. This opens the door for the all-time hits leader to be considered for the Hall of Fame.
The president was one of the voices that supported the idea that this was the right decision.
Rob Manfred
This new interpretation will allow Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson to be considered for a Hall of Fame committee vote in December 2027. Rose was banned in 1989 for betting on baseball games while he was a player and manager.
Technological Advances and Robot Umpires
Technology was also a central topic. Manfred mentioned the possibility of implementing the automated ball-strike system (ABS) for the 2026 regular season. During preseason tests, teams were successful on 52.2% of their ball-strike challenges using this system. In addition, a system is being experimented with to review called strikes in the Florida State League of Class A, although its use in MLB for 2026 is not yet under consideration.The 2028 Olympic Games and the Participation of MLB Players
MLB is considering allowing major league players to participate in the 2028 Olympics, where baseball will return to the program. The league did not allow players on 40-man rosters to participate in the 2021 Olympics, and many teams discouraged top eligible prospects from playing.
Manfred indicated that progress has been made with Los Angeles 2028 in terms of what player participation might look like. Changes needed are also being discussed with other business partners to accommodate the Olympic Games, and the players’ union is expected to provide its support.Possible Salary Cap and Future Negotiations
Another topic of discussion is MLB’s stance on negotiations with the players’ association, including the possibility of proposing a salary cap. Decisions on this matter will be made after this season, with negotiations planned for the spring of 2026 for a successor to the five-year agreement that ended a 99-day lockout on March 10, 2022.
An economic study committee on ownership was formed in early 2023, generating speculation about a renewed push for a salary cap system. Manfred acknowledged the salary disparity as a growing problem among owners.
Stadium Transmission and Repairs Agreements
MLB is also seeking a deal before the All-Star break for a Sunday national broadcast package and for the Home Run Derby, replacing the deal that ESPN is canceling after this season. Manfred lamented giving ESPN the right to cancel the deal, which is causing a negotiation for the rights that lasts three seasons.
Regarding the facilities, the Tampa Bay Rays expect to return to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg next season after playing home games this year at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The St. Petersburg City Council approved $22.5 million in April to repair the roof, which was destroyed by Hurricane Milton on October 9. A new roof is being built in Germany and will be shipped to Florida.
New Stadiums and Increased Attendance
The Athletics’ new stadium in Las Vegas, which is scheduled to open in 2028, has not yet had a formal ceremony, although work is already underway at the site. Manfred expects the stadium to be ready for the opening day of 2028.
Finally, average attendance through Tuesday was 28,081, up 1.4% from the previous year. MLB could end up with an average increase for the third consecutive year not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, something that hasn’t happened since 2004-07.
Tariffs and the Cost of Baseball Balls
MLB isn’t worried about the Trump administration’s tariffs that raise the cost of major league baseballs, which are made in Costa Rica. However, the impact on the balls used in the minor leagues is a concern, as these are made in China.
