Jeter steps down as Marlins CEO over differences in 'vision for the future'
Derek Jeter announced he's stepping down from his position as the chief executive officer of the Miami Marlins.
"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. ... That said, the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead," Jeter said in a statement Monday. "Now is the right time to step aside as a new season begins."
Jeter's decision to leave had to do with the team's payroll, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The 47-year-old was reportedly under the impression the club would have another $10 million to $15 million to spend on the 2022 roster heading into the lockout before plans changed.
Jeter/Marlins were in fairly serious talks with Miami-bred star OF Nick Castellanos before the lockout. We will see once the lockout ends whether he’s still in the plans. Might he be too expensive for them now?
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2022
Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas praised Jeter for choosing to step down.
"The integrity of this guy is one of the (things) he showed me and sticks out with me during the last four years. ... This is what leaders do," Rojas wrote on Twitter.
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner also chimed in on Jeter's departure.
Hot take
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 28, 2022
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
Marlins general manager Kim Ng will take charge of baseball operations, while chief operating officer Caroline O'Connor will lead the business side, according to Joe Frisaro of Man On Second Baseball.
Jeter joined the Marlins when Bruce Sherman's ownership group purchased the club in 2017. Miami went 218-327 during the regular season under his watch. However, the team made a surprise run to the National League Division Series during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
The Yankees legend and Hall of Famer was at the helm when Miami traded then-reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton to New York in December 2017, and when 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2018.
Following the announcement, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred thanked Jeter for "moving the game forward by hiring women in top roles in the club's baseball operations and executive leadership, and (positioning) the Marlins for long-term success."