Sale of Marlins gets unanimous approval

The Miami Marlins are Derek Jeter’s problem now.

Major League Baseball owners on Wednesday unanimously approved the sale of the woebegone franchise by Jeffrey Loria to an investment group led by Jeter and Bruce Sherman.

The deal needed 75 percent approval.

A signed $1.2 billion agreement was submitted to MLB last month to sell the Marlins to a group led by Sherman, a venture capitalist who will be the controlling owner. Jeter, the former New York Yankees star, plans to be a limited partner in charge of the business and baseball operations.

The Marlins have endured another disappointing year and are assured of their eighth consecutive losing season, the longest streak in the majors. They’ll sit out the playoffs for the 14th year in a row, the longest streak in the NL.

They’re also likely to finish last in the NL in attendance for the 12th time in the past 13 years, creating revenue constraints that may lead to a payroll purge. CUBS WIN, SO THEY’RE IN >> Addison Russell hit a three-run homer and John Lackey pitched six strong innings as the Chicago Cubs clinched their second consecutive NL Central title with a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs reached the postseason for the third straight year for the first time since 1908. They are also the first defending World Series champ to win their division the next season since the 2009 Phillies and the first defending champ to reach the playoffs the next season since the Cardinals won the wild card in 2012.