Jeter facing new Bush pitch for Marlins

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has switched sides in pursuit of the Miami Marlins, and he’s trying to beat out former teammate Derek Jeter.

Bush has joined the group led by businessman Tagg Romney that is trying to buy the Marlins, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday.

The person also said South Florida businessman Jorge Mas has contacted the Marlins to say he’s leading a group interested in buying the franchise.

Bush and Jeter, the New York Yankees 14-time All-Star shortstop, led rival groups pursuing the Marlins earlier this year. They then joined forces, but Bush dropped out in May.

Now they’re rivals again, and Jeter is still exploring a bid with other investors.

The Romney-Bush group also includes Quogue Capital investment fund founder Wayne Rothbaum, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine and former Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager Dave Stewart.

The Romney and Jeter groups have bid about $1.3 billion to buy the team from Jeffrey Loria but have not yet raised the money needed. Jeter met with Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Marlins President David Samson in New York on Thursday, and told them he doesn’t yet have the necessary money and is still seek- ing help from other investors.

Loria bought the Marlins for $158.5 million in 2002 from John Henry.

One of the people confirming Bush’s withdrawal from the bid with Jeter in May said the former governor didn’t put up enough of his own money to have the controlling interest he sought. The commissioner’s office wants the purchasing group to demonstrate it has enough cash both to close the deal and operate the team.