The Miami Marlins, a franchise that entered Major League Baseball in 1993, hold a unique place in baseball history. Despite a cumulative regular season record below .500, the team has twice captured the coveted World Series trophy, in 1997 and 2003 . This history of unexpected peaks amidst periods of struggle has cultivated a dedicated, albeit often frustrated, fanbase. The stewardship of the team under principal owner Bruce Sherman is currently facing scrutiny. Bruce Sherman assumed control in October 2017. Fan discontent is clear. This situation leads to questions about whether Major League Baseball should intervene. MLB might also consider forcing a sale of the franchise. This analysis will delve into the performance and financial aspects of Sherman’s tenure. It will examine MLB’s authority and historical precedents for such action. The analysis will explore the financial obligations of ownership. It will also speculate on potential candidates who might step in to acquire the team.  

Bruce Sherman’s arrival in Miami in late 2017 marked the fourth ownership group in the Marlins’ relatively short history . The ownership group initially included baseball legend Derek Jeter in a prominent role. This sparked optimism among fans. They were eager for a fresh start after years under previous ownership . Over six full seasons under Sherman’s leadership (2018-2024), the team’s regular season performance has been underwhelming. The team has a cumulative record of 218 wins and 327 losses. That amounts to a .434 winning percentage . The Marlins reached the postseason twice during this period. They did so once in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. They reached it again in 2023. These appearances might be viewed as exceptions. They seem to be rather than the norm for a team striving for consistent contention. Furthermore, the team has seen multiple managerial changes during Sherman’s tenure, suggesting a lack of sustained direction .  

A significant source of criticism directed at Sherman’s ownership revolves around the team’s consistently low payroll. Year after year, the Marlins have ranked near the bottom of Major League Baseball in terms of player spending. For the majority of his ownership, the team’s payroll has placed them in the bottom six of the league. However, 2023 was a notable exception when they ranked 22nd. This approach is very different from the large financial investments made by divisional rivals. Teams like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets have invested significantly. This consistent prioritization of a low payroll has fueled a perception. Many believe ownership is more focused on financial savings. They think it is less concerned with fielding a consistently competitive team capable of deep playoff runs.  

Adding to fan frustration is the recurring pattern of trading away key players who have achieved popularity and on-field success. The Marlins under Sherman have parted ways with talents such as J.T. Realmuto, Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Luis Arraez, and Jazz Chisholm. This strategy of trading established players often coincides with periods of rebuilding. It reinforces the image of the Marlins as a “selling club.” The team struggles to retain its star players. Consequently, fan attendance at Marlins games has generally declined during Sherman’s ownership. Successful off-field events at LoanDepot Park, like the World Baseball Classic, show fan engagement potential in Miami. However, the Marlins’ games struggle to draw comparable crowds. This suggests a disconnect between the team’s performance and the level of fan interest. This may create a negative feedback loop. Low attendance can further limit the team’s financial flexibility.  

Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the Marlins’ use of revenue sharing funds. Allegations suggest that the team may not be reinvesting their share of league revenue back into the team as intended. Instead, they might be retaining these funds. This practice has previously led to grievances filed by the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). While Sherman has defended the team’s spending. He highlights investments in technology and infrastructure that are not readily apparent to fans. This argument often fails to satisfy a fanbase yearning for tangible improvements to the playing roster. The financial realities of Sherman’s ownership also come into play. Sherman’s reported net worth is lower than many other MLB owners’ net worth. Consequently, questions persist about his capacity to consistently invest. Doubts remain about his willingness to invest at the required level for sustained competitiveness in Major League Baseball. The team’s purchase price of $1.2 billion, coupled with revenue and operating income figures, suggests a need for careful financial management, further influencing spending decisions. The current low payroll commitments for the 2025 season are significant. Also, the looming possibility of an MLBPA grievance due to underspending highlights the financial pressures. These factors intensify fan anxieties surrounding the team.

Major League Baseball’s constitution grants the Commissioner significant authority to act in the “best interests of Baseball” . This provision theoretically allows for intervention in various aspects of the game, including franchise ownership. However, the league has historically exercised this power to force a sale sparingly, typically in response to extreme circumstances. The most relevant recent example is the case of the Los Angeles Dodgers under Frank McCourt (2011-2012) . MLB took control of the Dodgers because financial instability threatened the franchise’s viability. Additionally, the owner was unable to effectively manage the team during a contentious divorce. Commissioner Bud Selig appointed a trustee to oversee the team’s operations, ultimately leading to a court-supervised sale. This situation highlights that significant financial distress can jeopardize the league’s overall health. It can indeed trigger MLB intervention and a forced sale. Another instance involved Marge Schott, who owned the Cincinnati Reds. She faced suspensions and eventual pressure to sell her controlling interest. This occurred after repeated offensive remarks that were deemed highly detrimental to the league’s image . This case illustrates that an owner’s conduct can also lead to league intervention. In other professional sports, the New York Titans in the American Football League (AFL) serve as another example. The team’s owner was ousted due to franchise insolvency. 

In contrast, there are many instances where MLB has chosen not to force an ownership change. This occurs despite controversies or periods of poor performance. Owners like Ted Turner, George Steinbrenner, Fred Wilpon remained at the helm. Even Jeffrey Loria (who ultimately sold voluntarily) was not forced to relinquish control despite facing various challenges. More recently, Stu Sternberg of the Tampa Bay Rays and John Fisher of the Oakland Athletics have faced significant criticism. They have also faced pressure. However, MLB has not yet mandated a sale. These examples suggest that the threshold for MLB to force an owner to sell is quite high. The primary drivers appear to be severe and sustained financial instability. This threatens the league. Egregious conduct can also significantly damage MLB’s reputation. Fan discontent regarding low spending and team performance is a big issue in Miami. However, it does not match the historical criteria that have typically led to forced sales by the league. MLB’s focus tends to be on the overall stability and health of the league. While fan engagement is undoubtedly important, it might not be the primary determinant in mandating an ownership change. This is only unless it directly results in severe financial problems, as seen in the Dodgers’ case.  

The financial agreement between Major League Baseball and its players is outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. It includes a revenue sharing system. This system is intended to support teams in smaller markets. An important part of this system is the requirement for teams receiving these funds. They must reinvest a certain percentage back into their player payroll. Currently, that threshold is set at 150% of the revenue sharing funds received . The Miami Marlins reportedly receive approximately $70 million annually through revenue sharing. This translates to a minimum spending obligation of around $105 million on player salaries.  

However, projections for the Marlins’ 2025 payroll fall considerably short of this figure. Estimates from various sources place the payroll in the range of $47 million to $62 million. This significant discrepancy poses a substantial risk to the Marlins. They may face a grievance from the MLB Players Association. The MLBPA actively enforces these spending requirements. This is demonstrated by a previous grievance filed against the Marlins and other teams in 2018. The increased minimum spending threshold in the current CBA only amplifies the potential for the union to take action. This threat of an MLBPA grievance represents a tangible pressure point on the Marlins’ ownership. Failure to meet the mandated spending level could result in financial penalties or other league-imposed actions. The Marlins could try to increase their payroll through player acquisitions. However, their actions in the current offseason do not suggest an imminent plan. They are unlikely to reach the $105 million threshold soon. This continued reluctance to significantly increase spending persists. Despite the potential for a grievance, it indicates a calculated risk by ownership. Alternatively, it suggests a fundamental disagreement with the league’s financial regulations.

Should the Miami Marlins become available for purchase, either voluntarily or through league intervention, several potential owners could emerge. One prominent candidate is Jorge Mas. He is a Miami businessman who chairs MasTec. He also owns the local Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami CF. Mas previously expressed strong interest in buying the Marlins in 2017, reportedly matching the $1.2 billion bid of the Sherman/Jeter group but ultimately falling short due to financing challenges. Mas is a local figure with a demonstrated commitment to sports in Miami. He was involved in the high-profile signing of Lionel Messi for Inter Miami CF. Therefore, he could be an appealing candidate. His estimated net worth of $1.0 billion (as of 2022) suggests the financial capacity for MLB ownership.  

Beyond Mas, Miami is home to numerous other high-net-worth individuals. These business leaders might possess the financial resources and interest to own a Major League Baseball team. Specific names haven’t consistently appeared in connection with potential Marlins ownership. Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, highlights the deep pockets within the region. Investment groups and private equity firms are becoming more common in sports ownership. This trend could lead to consortiums forming to pursue the Marlins. The Sherman ownership group itself reportedly comprised around 16 investors. It is crucial to understand that any potential new owner or ownership group would undergo a rigorous vetting process. They would also need approval from a significant majority of existing MLB owners. MLB’s approval process examines factors such as financial stability and integrity. It also reviews the proposed owner’s long-term vision for the franchise and the league.  

A forced sale of the Miami Marlins could have significant positive ripple effects for the team and its fanbase. New ownership with greater financial resources could lead to a substantial increase in payroll spending. Alternatively, a different approach to team investment might achieve the same result. Both strategies could ultimately result in a more competitive team on the field. Improved performance would likely reignite fan interest, leading to increased attendance, merchandise sales, and overall engagement with the franchise. Fan support would be renewed. Success on the field would increase. This would likely drive up the overall value of the Miami Marlins franchise. Moreover, a more competitive Marlins team could inject greater excitement into the National League East. This division is one of the most challenging in baseball. A competitive Marlins team would contribute to a more balanced and compelling league overall.  

In conclusion, Bruce Sherman’s tenure as principal owner of the Miami Marlins has been marked by financial restraint. There has also been a pattern of trading key players. Historically, Major League Baseball forces an owner to sell only in extreme cases. These cases involve financial instability or egregious conduct. However, the significant projected shortfall in the Marlins’ 2025 payroll poses a tangible risk. This is when compared to the league’s revenue sharing spending requirements. This situation could lead to an MLBPA grievance. It may also compel the league to take a more assertive stance. If the franchise is sold either voluntarily or through league intervention, potential ownership candidates include Jorge Mas. Others like him are also considered. High-net-worth individuals and investment groups are also likely candidates. New ownership could usher in a new era for the Marlins. The right owner would be willing to invest more in the team. This could foster sustained competitiveness. Increased fan engagement and a brighter future for the franchise could follow. While the immediate likelihood of a forced sale remains uncertain, fan discontent and financial pressures are significant. This suggests that the ownership situation in Miami warrants close attention.

Miami Marlins Performance Under Bruce Sherman (Section 2):

Year	Regular Season Record	Playoff Appearance	Avg Home Attendance	Opening Day Payroll Rank (of 30)
2018	63-98	No	10,014	23
2019	57-105	No	10,016	29
2020	31-29	Lost NLDS	N/A	27
2021	67-95	No	7,934	28
2022	69-93	No	11,204	26
2023	84-78	Lost NLWC	14,356	23
2024	62-100	No	13,425	27

Potential Miami Marlins Owners (Section 5):

Name/Group	Local Ties	Estimated Net Worth (USD)	Previous Interest in MLB/Other Sports Ownership
Jorge Mas	Yes	$1.0 Billion (as of 2022)	Yes (Miami Marlins, Inter Miami CF)
Other Miami Business Leaders	Yes	Various	Potentially
Investment Groups	No/Yes	Various	Yes