MLB Players Union Chief Tony Clark Steps Down Amid Contract Battle Preparations

Tony Clark is stepping down from his role leading the Major League Baseball Players Association as the union prepares for crucial contract negotiations. His departure comes as baseball faces potential labor disputes over a possible salary cap proposal that could lead to game cancellations.

TAMPA, Fla. — Major League Baseball Players Association leader Tony Clark is stepping away from his position, according to a source with knowledge of the union’s internal discussions who spoke Tuesday.

The individual requested anonymity when speaking with reporters since Clark’s departure, initially reported by ESPN, has not yet been formally announced. An official statement is expected to be released later today.

Clark’s exit occurs while federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York are conducting an investigation into One Team Partners, a licensing business established jointly by the baseball and football players’ unions.

His resignation comes at a crucial time, just months before collective bargaining talks are set to begin in April. The current five-year labor agreement between players and team owners is scheduled to end on December 1st. Baseball management is widely expected to push for implementing a salary cap during negotiations, which could potentially trigger a work stoppage and result in the first canceled regular season games since 1985.

In a related development, the players’ union called off the scheduled start of their annual spring training facility visits on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old Clark, a former All-Star first baseman, made history as the first active player to lead the organization.

Clark concluded his playing career in 2008 and was serving on the union’s staff when then-leader Michael Weiner received a brain tumor diagnosis.

Following Weiner’s death in late 2013, Clark assumed leadership of the union and guided players through contract negotiations that resulted in labor agreements in both 2016 and 2022. The most recent deal was reached only after a 99-day lockout period.

Bruce Meyer, who served as the primary negotiator under Clark’s leadership during the 2021-22 talks, received a promotion to deputy executive director during summer 2022 and is expected to once again lead the upcoming contract discussions.