Report: MLB VP Tim Brosnan withdraws candidacy for commissioner prior to vote

Major League Baseball executive vice president of business Tim Brosnan reportedly withdrew his candidacy to be the league's next commissioner hours before owners were set to vote on Bud Selig's successor.

ESPN reported Thursday that Brosnan dropped out of contention while owners huddled in Baltimore to hear the candidates' pitches, leaving MLB chief operating officer Rob Manfred and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner locked in a two-man race.

Owners estimated Manfred had support from 20-to-21 teams heading into Thursday's vote, though it's unclear what effect, if any, Brosnan's withdrawal will have. A three-quarters majority, 75 percent, is required to elect a new commissioner.

Selig, whose reign is the second-longest in the history of the sport, is retiring in January. He has held the position since 1992.