Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner a Finalist To Become Next Baseball Commissioner

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner is one of three finalists to replace baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

The owners, according to USA Today, will choose between Rob Manfred, MLB’s chief operating officer; Tim Brosnan, MLB’s executive vice president of business; and Werner. Manfred has long been considered the favorite to land the job.

“A number of owners asked me to consider the position. I am not running against Rob Manfred, but to be able to articulate my vision for the future…,” Werner told The Boston Globe Tuesday night. “I have ideas that I believe the owners should hear,” Werner said. “That’s why I’m involved in the process.”

In a July interview with the Globe’s Peter Abraham, Werner was asked if would want the commissioner job when Selig retires.

“Me as commissioner? No, I’m very happy as chairman of the Boston Red Sox,” Werner said. “It’s been a fantastic ride.”

The 64-year-old Werner is part of the Red Sox ownership group that includes John Henry and and Larry Lucchino — whose name was often mentioned as a successor to Selig. Werner has served as chairman of the Red Sox since the group purchased the team in 2002. He also holds the same title for Liverpool Football Club, which is owned by Henry. Outside of baseball, Werner had success as a television producer, launching popular shows including “Roseanne,” “The Cosby Show,” “Nirj & Mindy,” and “That ’70s Show.” Werner also

Prior to joining the Red Sox ownership group, Werner owned the San Diego Padres from 1990-1994.

The owners will vote on the successor Aug. 14, a high-ranking MLB executive with direct knowledge of the hiring process told USA Today.

To elect a new commissioner, approval is required from 23 of 30 team owners.

The 79-year-old Selig announced his retirement in Sept. 2013 and is scheduled to remain commissioner until Jan. 24, 2015.