Groups with deep political and baseball connections are lining up to buy the Miami Marlins, according to the latest reports.
With owner Jeffrey Loria having placed the franchise on the block, suitors are looking into the possibility of buying the Marlins. Two of the biggest names to have entered the mix are former New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, as well as former Florida governor and 2016 candidate for the Republican presidential nomination Jeb Bush. Jeter and Bush were initially reported to be conducting separate pursuits of the Marlins, but reports this week have indicated that they may ultimately work together on a purchase. More from Fox Business:
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former Yankee great Derek Jeter are now working to make a joint bid for the Marlins, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The duo decided to join forces over the past week, in order to pool resources for a bid that is likely to top $1 billion, these people add.
Jeter has had an active business career since retiring after the 2014 season, which has included the founding of The Players’ Tribune, while Bush was linked to a 2013 bid for the Marlins. As has been previously noted, however, it remains to be seen if either could obtain the necessary investment to purchase the franchise, which has been floated for more than $1 billion.
Meanwhile, a group with the backing of a Hall of Fame pitcher and the son of a former governor is also said to be in the mix. According to a report from Bloomberg, Tom Glavine is part of a bid for the Marlins that includes Tagg Romney, the son of former Massachusetts governor and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney. The elder Romney is not expected to be involved in the pursuit of the team. More from Bloomberg:
Glavine, a Hall of Fame pitcher, is part of a group led by Solamere Capital co-founder Tagg Romney, a person with knowledge of the process said. Romney’s bid doesn’t include his father, Mitt, a former presidential candidate and a co-founder of Bain Capital.
The person requested anonymity because the process is private. Tagg Romney didn’t immediately return a message left at Boston-based Solamere.
A group that was reported earlier this year to have interest in the Marlins included Joshua Kushner and Joseph Meyer. Some issues eventually emerged with their bid, including questions of whether Kushner and Meyer could raise the funds to complete their purchase, and discussions of Loria being appointed as U.S. ambassador to France by the Trump administration, which includes Joshua’s brother Jared.
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