MLBPA to remain rudderless for one more day

The Major League Baseball Players Association will be without a leader for at least one more day.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that a call by MLBPA leadership ended without a vote for an interim executive director in the wake of Tony Clark's resignation on Tuesday. The union is hoping to have a vote on Wednesday and have the interim in place by the evening.

Clark reportedly resigned due to an improper relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the MLBPA in 2023. He and the union had also been under federal investigation for improperly using licensing money for their own benefit.

MLBPA interim executive director stepping into hornet's nest

Whoever takes over for Clark will be doing so at a pivotal time. The collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, spiking fears of a labor stoppage. The league is reportedly pushing for a salary cap in the wake of the Los Angeles Dodgers spending spree since the 2023-24 offseason, something the union regards as a red line.

At the same time, Major League Baseball is riding a wave of popularity. Ratings have been up over the past few years as innovations such as the pitch clock have sped up the game. A protracted labor dispute would curtail that momentum at a crucial point.

Having a strong interim leader, even if they do not keep the role permanently, could help with negotiations. There are other issues than the salary cap, such as deferred money, teams not spending on the roster and revenue sharing. While the MLBPA is doing the right thing by not rushing to a decision, even one or two days without a unified front hurts the union's position in those talks.