In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Tony Clark has resigned as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) following revelations of an inappropriate relationship and ongoing federal investigations. The news, first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by several outlets including The New York Post and The Athletic, broke on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, just as spring training was set to begin—a timing that couldn’t be more critical for the union as it braces for high-stakes labor negotiations later this year.
Clark, 53, leaves behind a complex legacy after serving as the MLBPA’s executive director since December 2013. A former All-Star first baseman best known for his years with the Detroit Tigers, Clark became the first former player to lead the union, taking the reins after the death of Michael Weiner. His tenure has been marked by aggressive advocacy for players, contentious negotiations with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and, more recently, a cloud of controversy that ultimately proved insurmountable.
The internal union investigation that precipitated Clark’s exit centered on an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the MLBPA in 2023. While her identity has not been publicly disclosed, multiple sources have confirmed the nature of the relationship and its role in Clark’s downfall. "MLBPA executive director Tony Clark resigned after an internal investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the union in 2023," reported ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
But that wasn’t the only issue plaguing the union. Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York have been investigating alleged financial improprieties within the MLBPA, including the use of licensing money and equity. The Department of Justice expanded its inquiry in October 2025, with particular scrutiny on the union’s business dealings with OneTeam Partners, a multibillion-dollar group-licensing company partially owned by the MLBPA, and Players Way, a youth baseball company established by the union in 2019.
Players Way, which was founded to empower young athletes and provide access to the expertise of current and former MLB players, reportedly spent close to $10 million despite holding few events. That figure is more than double the $3.9 million the union initially claimed, according to ESPN. The company has faced criticism for paying six-figure salaries to executives and consultants, many of whom had other full-time jobs outside the union. In October, Clark addressed the allegations in a statement: "Any suggestion that Players Way has not been supported by our elected Player representatives and broader membership is patently false. Players Way has been front and center at every annual meeting of the MLBPA Executive Board in recent memory, and our dialogue with Players regarding youth development continues throughout the calendar."
Clark’s resignation led to the abrupt cancellation of the MLBPA’s first scheduled meeting with players at the Cleveland Guardians’ spring training camp, a move that caught many by surprise. The union’s annual tour of spring training camps in Arizona and Florida was supposed to kick off this week, but the leadership vacuum has forced a sudden pivot. According to Los Angeles Angels pitcher Brent Suter, a member of the executive subcommittee, the union plans to announce an interim replacement soon, with deputy director Bruce Meyer expected to step in as lead negotiator for the upcoming collective bargaining talks.
The timing of Clark’s departure is especially significant given the looming expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on December 1, 2026. Tensions between players and owners are already running high, with owners expected to push for a salary cap—a proposal players have long resisted. The specter of a work stoppage hangs over the sport, reminiscent of the 1994 strike that led to the cancellation of the World Series and the more recent 99-day lockout after the 2021 season. "The vibe around the sport has been that there could be a work stoppage after the 2026 season," noted The New York Post.
Despite the upheaval, many within the union have expressed confidence in its ability to weather the storm. Marcus Semien, New York Mets second baseman and a member of the union’s eight-person subcommittee, told reporters, "This happening during the investigation is not overly surprising. But it still hurts. It's still something I'm processing and I just want our player group to move forward this year and be able to have a good year of negotiating with leadership that cares about what players want. The timing being February, when we're looking forward to December when the CBA expires, is better than it happening in November if something came out."
Others echoed Semien’s optimism. Brent Suter remarked, "Let me tell you, the ship is strong. We just need to make the right decisions today and moving forward, and we’ll be just fine." San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth, another subcommittee member, described the state of the group as "strong." Even Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who recently prevailed in a landmark $32 million arbitration case, voiced confidence in Meyer’s leadership: "I don’t think it has any impact on negotiating. Bruce has been our lead negotiator. He’s done it in the past. Although Tony has been the face of the PA in terms of negotiating, I’m still as confident as ever in Bruce and everyone else that we’ve got behind him."
Clark’s personal life has also drawn attention amid the scandal. He and his wife, Frances, have one son and reportedly reside in Arizona. According to a 2020 USA Today article, Frances and their son had moved from New York to Phoenix. The family’s privacy has been closely guarded, with few details emerging beyond what has been reported in the context of the resignation.
Clark’s tenure as executive director will be remembered for both its achievements and its controversies. He navigated the union through a series of challenging negotiations, including the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of 2020 and the extended lockout before the 2022 season, ultimately helping to secure deals that avoided the loss of games. At the same time, his leadership faced internal criticism, particularly from some players, agents, and a former MLBPA attorney who pushed for new leadership even before the federal probe intensified.
Miami Marlins reliever and executive subcommittee member Pete Fairbanks offered a balanced perspective: "There’s people that like Tony, there are people that don’t like Tony, but as a whole, where we are now comparatively to where we were 10 years ago, is a much better spot. Dealing with this will be its own separate entity in terms of where it goes and what it does for Tony Clark in people’s estimations, but he’s been a steadfast voice that’s been fighting for players for some time now, and I don’t think we should discount that."
With the CBA set to expire and negotiations on the horizon, the MLBPA faces a pivotal year. The union’s leadership must now work swiftly to stabilize its ranks, address the fallout from Clark’s resignation, and prepare for what could be one of the most consequential bargaining sessions in baseball history. As the dust settles, all eyes remain on Bruce Meyer and the MLBPA’s executive subcommittee, who are tasked with guiding the players through uncertain waters while maintaining unity and focus.
For now, the story of Tony Clark’s resignation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing sports unions in an era of heightened scrutiny and shifting power dynamics. The next chapter for the MLBPA is about to begin, and the stakes could hardly be higher.