MLB narrows search for new commissioner down to three

Major League Baseball has narrowed their search for Bud Selig’s replacement to three finalists. The owners will vote on August 14.

The final three candidates are Rob Manfred, MLB’s chief operating officer; Tom Brosnan, MLB’s executive vice president of business; and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner according to USA Today. Werner, 64, a former television producer, also serves as chairman of Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League.

Manfred is essentially Selig's No. 2, moving up the MLB ladder to now resembling an acting commissioner as Selig's duties have transitioned toward the ceremonial according to Yahoo. Brosnan has spent more than a decade handling MLB's licensing, marketing, and broadcasting deals.

The approval from 23 of the 30 owners is necessary to elect a new commissioner.

Selig, 79, announced his retirement in September 2013 and will relinquish his duties on January 24, 2015. Selig has been commissioner for 22 years, and is expected to remain with Major League Baseball in a limited capacity.