Jeb Bush out of running to buy Marlins

Former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush is out of the running to buy the Marlins, according to the Associated Press. Bush and partner Derek Jeter were previously considered the front-runners to purchase the team, which is being sold by owner Jeffrey Loria this summer.

Jeter may still look to team up with other investors and make a bid at the team, according to the report, though the rival group led by Tagg Romney and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is considered the favorite at this point. The Romney/Glavine group also reportedly includes ex-Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart, who would likely have a role in baseball operations.

The Marlins are expected to sell for a price in the $1.3 billion range, as both groups were said to be willing to spend that much in previous weeks. A sale could be completed in the coming weeks, with Romney and Glavine’s group currently looking like the clear front-runner.

Miami’s on-field product has been dreadful this season, as the team currently is 19-30, good for the third-worst record in all of baseball. The club’s slow start, mixed with the tragic loss of ace starter Jose Fernandez last September, has the club poised for another major rebuild that could see stars Marcell Ozuna, Dee Gordon and Giancarlo Stanton shipped out of Miami in the coming years.