Don Mattingly Comments On Derek Jeter, Other Bidders Interested In Buying Marlins

Derek Jeter may be returning to MLB, but not as a player or manager.

Don Mattingly on Derek Jeter Possibly Acquiring Marlins

According to ESPN, the former New York Yankees star is one of several bidders interested in acquiring the Miami Marlins.

Among the other famous folk hoping to become part-owner of the Marlins is former Florida governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush. The 64-year-old lost the Republican nomination early last year and reportedly made a previous bid for the Marlins in 2013. His older brother, former President George W. Bush, owned the Texas Rangers from 1989-1994.

New York venture capitalist Joshua Kushner — brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner — and his family were also recently involved in negotiations to buy the team for approximately $1.6 billion.

However, the Kushners withdrew from the bidding after Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria began being considered for the U.S. ambassadorship to France.

Jeter, who retired after the 2014 season, seems like a surprising choice for ownership of the Marlins for financial reasons at least. The 42-year-old earned approximately $400 million in salary and endorsements during his 20-year playing career with the Yankees, and his net worth after taxes is estimated at around $220 million.

The Marlins are believed to be worth more than $1 billion.

Jeter, who lives in Tampa, got married last summer. He and his wife Hannah Davis announced last month that they are expecting their first child, a girl, this year.

When asked about Jeter potentially acquiring the Marlins, manager Don Mattingly said on Wednesday, before the team’s 6-4 road loss to the Washington Nationals, that he was confident Jeter would be a good owner.

“He’s always talked about it,” said Mattingly. “I asked him if he wanted to coach and he’s like, ‘Never.’

“I’m sure he’ll be good [as a theoretical future owner of a team]. Jeets pretty much seems to be good at everything he tries to do.”

The Marlins have not reached the playoffs since 2003, when they won the World Series, and have finished under .500 seven consecutive seasons. Their $639-million stadium, Marlins Park, has had the lowest attendance in 11 of the last 12 seasons.

Mattingly, who is in his second season as the team’s manager, has compiled a 79-84 record in Miami and has played a major role in uniting the team following the tragic death of pitcher Jose Fernandez.

Before joining the Marlins, Mattingly led the Los Angeles Dodgers to three straight NL West titles.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 15: Honoree Derek Jeter accepts the Icon Award onstage during The 2015 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)