Derek Jeter steps down as CEO of the Miami Marlins on Monday. The move came as a surprise because Jeter had a plan to build the franchise from the farm system.
I’m curious about what made Jeter want to step down as the CEO. I feel that he had more to accomplish as part-owner of the Marlins. The Marlins fans who were critical of him for trading big pieces such as Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, J.T. Realmuto, and Dee Strange-Gordon) might be giving him the side-eye with this news. Jeter is a winner on and off the field, and this move caught me by surprise. It made me feel a little disappointed because I wanted to see more from him.
Jeter and Sherman deserve some credit for making progress for this Marlins franchise. Sandy Alcantara, acquired in the Ozuna trade, has evolved into the staff’s ace and was given a five-year, $56 million contract extension this offseason.
The Marlins went 218-327 since 2018, the first season after the Jeter/Sherman ownership group took over in September 2017. They made the playoffs once, advancing to the National League Division Series during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season that featured 16 teams instead of the usual twelve. Although they did make the playoffs in 2020, I think they would’ve missed the postseason if it were a regular 162-game season.
General manager Kim Ng will oversee the baseball operations as she heads into her second season with the Marlins organization. Chief operating officer Caroline O’Connor will oversee business operations.
In a statement, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred thanked Jeter for “his service to the Marlins, the communities of Miami, and the game. “Derek is a winner on and off the field,” Manfred said. “In addition to his valuable contributions as a front office executive, Derek was a highly respected voice on our Diversity and Competition Committees. He helped build a talented front office with the Marlins, including moving the game forward by hiring women in top roles in the Club’s baseball operations and executive leadership, and a foundation that has positioned the Marlins for long-term success. Derek is a pillar of our game, and we look forward to his future contributions to Baseball.