Three weeks have passed since Rob Manfred lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and other deceased players, making them eligible for the Hall of Fame. The decision has elicited mixed reactions, according to Manfred, who spoke to reporters after meetings with team owners at MLB headquarters in New York.
Manfred noted that while some believe reinstating the banned figures was the right move, others remain confused about the implications for Rose’s Hall of Fame candidacy. He clarified that the current decision does not guarantee that Rose or his contemporaries will eventually be inducted, with the next opportunity for consideration not occurring until December 2027.
The reinstatement followed lobbying from President Donald Trump, who expressed his support for Rose during a conversation with Manfred in April. The commissioner acknowledged that he considered Trump’s advice along with input from several others before making his decision. Rose had been banned from baseball in 1989 due to gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, and despite the finding, both he and Jackson were seen as potential Hall of Famers absent their gambling ties.
In addition to discussing the reinstatement, Manfred addressed other topics of interest, including early season attendance and television ratings, which are reportedly up from the previous year. He pointed to the success of teams in major markets like New York and Los Angeles as contributing factors. However, he also recognized the challenges posed by payroll disparities in the league, with some teams like the White Sox and Rockies struggling exceptionally this season.
Manfred also provided an update on ongoing negotiations with media partners as ESPN opts out of its television deal, indicating a goal to finalize arrangements by the All-Star Game in July. Additionally, he hinted at potential changes to the Automated Ball-Strike System, which is favored by both fans and owners and could be implemented in the regular season next year.
Furthermore, MLB remains hopeful that repairs at Tropicana Field will allow the Tampa Bay Rays to return by Opening Day 2026 or shortly thereafter, following their current arrangement at Steinbrenner Field.
Overall, while the mixed reactions to the reinstatement of banned players dominate headlines, there are several positive developments across MLB, including increased fan engagement, potential advancements in officiating technology, and the prospect of improved conditions for franchises facing challenges.