Owner Jeffrey Loria likely to sell Marlins this year

Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria is expected to sell the franchise before the end of the year, though it’s unclear exactly when the sale will occur, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Loria has been in contact with four groups who are interested and has spoken to two others, according to Jackson. A Forbes story last month reported the Marlins had “a handshake agreement” to sell the team.

A sale for the Marlins would be notable given Loria’s reputation in South Florida, though Jackson interestingly notes a sale would not directly result in an increased payroll. It seems there is a lot riding on a potential new deal with FOX Sports Florida after the franchise’s current contract expires in 2020.

Regardless of when and to who the team is sold, the sale will likely mark a new era of baseball in South Florida. A new owner could mean a new front office, which could result in a new outlook moving forward.