Tony Clark has resigned from his position as the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), according to Jeff Passan and Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN. The resignation of the union's long-time leader comes at a critical juncture for the sport, with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire on December 1, 2026.
Per Passan, the decision follows an internal investigation that reportedly revealed Clark was involved in an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, an individual who had been hired by the union in 2023. This internal probe stems from a broader, ongoing federal investigation by the Eastern District of New York into the union's finances and licensing practices, including OneTeam Partners.
Clark, the first former player to lead the MLBPA, has held the role of Executive Director since 2013. During his tenure, he navigated the union through multiple labor disputes, most notably the 99-day lockout that preceded the 2022 season. His departure leaves the union without a permanent head just as preliminary talks for the next labor deal were expected to intensify.
According to reports from The Athletic and ESPN, the union's executive subcommittee met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the leadership transition. While no permanent successor has been named, deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is expected to remain a central figure in upcoming negotiations. Player representatives, including Marcus Semien, were reportedly briefed on the development today as the union's annual spring training tour was abruptly canceled.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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