A prospective ownership group led by Derek Jeter and Jeb Bush are closing in on a deal to purchase the Miami Marlins.

The Miami Herald reported on Tuesday that Jeffrey Loria has an agreement in principle to sell the club to the Bush/Jeter group for $1.3 billion. The sides are optimistic that a deal could be finalized over the next few months.

"I have a policy about not commenting about sale processes, but given what's been out there today, I think it's important to clarify a couple things," Rob Manfred said.

"I am absolutely certain -- know for a fact -- that there are multiple groups interested in acquiring the Marlins. One of those groups is the Bush-Jeter group. I'm not going to go beyond that. There are multiple groups that have made bids for the club. When we have a resolution as to which bid is going to be accepted, we'll announce that publicly. Until that happens, it's just not appropriate for me to comment further."