Watch CBS News

Loria Fires Marlins Baseball Ops President Larry Beinfest

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins will finish the season with the second-worst record in franchise history and now, the team will need a new head of baseball operations.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria fired president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest Friday afternoon. Beinfest had worked with the Marlins for 13 years and was widely lauded as one of the best executives in baseball for working within the limited budget Loria would authorize.

"I wish him nothing but the best and know he will make a great addition where he lands," Loria said in a statement.

Loria isn't finished with changes in the front office as he ended his statement on Friday with this: "I will soon be making further announcements in terms of our new structure in baseball operations." That could mean team president David Samson's future is in question.

Beinfest was responsible for some of the Marlins' best pickups and was considered one of the tougher negotiators in baseball, but very well respected. Beinfest, until this season's disaster put together by Loria, managed to put a decent team on the field each year.

Loria became more involved with decisions in baseball operations as the season wound down. He reportedly put the kibosh on a call-up of a player Beinfest wanted to bring to the majors because Loria was upset the player had been involved in the incident that led to Tino Martinez resigning.

The Marlins are set at several key positions, but once again head into the offseason with a mess in the front office and on the field. The Marlins have a staff ace in Jose Fernandez and a rapidly improving outfield, but still need more hitting if they want to compete.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.