Tony Clark, who had led the MLBPA since 2013, resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation—initially triggered by a federal probe into union finances—uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Clark and his sister-in-law, who has been employed by the union since 2023. The investigation was conducted by outside counsel hired specifically to respond to the federal inquiry. Union officials said the relationship came to light within the 72 hours before Clark's resignation.
On Wednesday, the MLBPA's executive board—comprising 72 major- and minor-league player representatives—unanimously elected Bruce Meyer, previously deputy executive director and lead negotiator, as interim executive director. Matt Nussbaum was elevated from general counsel to interim deputy executive director. Both votes were unanimous, though reporting indicates there was initial pushback from at least three players during a Tuesday call, with the full vote deferred until Wednesday after player reps polled their teammates.
Meyer, 64, is a veteran labor lawyer who joined the MLBPA in 2018 and led the union through the 99-day lockout that produced a five-year CBA in March 2022. He has faced internal opposition—including a failed effort to remove him in March 2024—but earned credibility among some players for his conduct during the federal investigation. His appointment is considered a continuity move ahead of CBA negotiations expected to begin in April, with the current deal expiring December 1, 2026. A lockout is widely anticipated, with MLB owners expected to push for a salary cap.
