Jeb Bush reportedly tried to buy Marlins

A group headed by former Florida governor Jeb Bush reportedly offered to buy the Marlins. (William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush tried to buy the Marlins from owner Jeffrey Loria this offseason, according to a source in a report by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Loria has rejected offers from several interested buyers including the brother of former President -- and Texas Rangers co-owner -- George W. Bush.

Jeb Bush made a "large offer" to buy the Marlins according to the source. Another source said Bush's group of investors included Venezuelan media owner Gustavo Cisneros.

Loria has come under heavy criticism since authorizing the trade of several high-priced players in a salary dump after opening a new stadium that included government funding.

A friend of Loria told Jackson that barring a health problem or change of heart, he does not want to sell because he loves owning a team. An unnamed, longtime MLB official said the league has long hoped an owner with deeper pockets than Loria would buy the Marlins.