Overview
- Executive director Tony Clark said federal indictments involving current and former NBA figures underscore rising safety concerns for MLB players.
- Clark said the union works with MLB on protection and education efforts, noting players reported being tracked by betting entities soon after legalization in 2018.
- The MLBPA supports eliminating prop bets or similar wagers that could create conflicts for players on the field.
- Baseball’s recent gambling cases include Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on paid leave during an investigation, a lifetime ban for Tucupita Marcano, and umpire Pat Hoberg’s firing.
- Preparing for difficult bargaining, the union opposes a salary cap and is withholding licensing checks to build reserves for a potential work stoppage.