Club puts San Antonio option on back-burner

Resolving their stadium issue locally has always been the Marlins’ first priority. And now that San Antonio’s self-imposed Monday deadline has passed, the club continues to move forward in negotiations with the city of Hialeah.
For weeks there has been optimism that the Marlins and Hialeah are making progress on a retractable-roof stadium in Miami-Dade County.

San Antonio has been a serious option since the Marlins were cleared to explore relocation last November. Bexar County officials, eager for an answer on whether they should push forward, were informed Monday that the timing for San Antonio is not now.

“We are not in a position to affirmatively approve the relocation of the Marlins to San Antonio right now, and even though you asked for a commitment by May 15, we’re working closely with the Marlins to secure a stadium in Florida, and are hopeful that after 12 years, this process will be coming to a successful conclusion promptly,” MLB President Bob DuPuy said in a letter to Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. “If the Marlins do not reach a successful conclusion, we would of course intensify our discussions with you.”

So, at least for now, the Marlins are keeping San Antonio as an option should negotiations break down locally.

“We have always stated that South Florida is our first priority, but continue to recognize San Antonio as a viable relocation option,” Samson said.