MLBPA Subcommittee Member Bassitt Confident Union Will Overcome Clark's Resignation

Bassitt says executive board has handled federal investigation well, believes union will be 'OK' despite added stress.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt, a member of the MLBPA's executive subcommittee, expressed confidence that the union will be able to navigate the upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations despite the expected resignation of executive director Tony Clark. Bassitt said the executive board has handled the federal investigation into the union's finances well and that the union is structured in a way that can withstand Clark's departure.

Why it matters

Clark's resignation comes at a critical time for the MLBPA, as the union prepares to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB owners. The federal investigation into the union's finances has added stress, but Bassitt believes the union's structure and leadership will allow it to weather this challenge.

The details

Bassitt, 36, signed with the Orioles last week and is a member of the MLBPA's eight-player executive subcommittee. He said the subcommittee knew Clark's resignation was coming, though he declined to delve into any message Clark may have had for the union's highest-ranking players. The federal investigation into the MLBPA's finances and Clark's role has been ongoing, with the Department of Justice opening a probe in October. Bassitt expressed pride in how the executive board has handled the investigation, saying they have 'stuck together' and worked closely with authorities.

  • On October 2026, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into MLBPA executive director Tony Clark.
  • In the last 4-5 hours, reports have surfaced that Clark is expected to resign from his position.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and a member of the MLBPA's eight-player executive subcommittee.

Tony Clark

The current executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who is expected to resign from his position.

Marcus Semien

An infielder for the New York Mets and a member of the MLBPA's executive subcommittee.

David Rubenstein

The owner of the Baltimore Orioles, who has supported the addition of a salary cap, which is a non-starter for many within the MLBPA.

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What they’re saying

“He's helped us grow the game, he's helped us get in the right direction, and unfortunately it was just time that we had to make a move. And now it's just, how can we now strengthen us even more?”

— Chris Bassitt, MLBPA Executive Subcommittee Member (thebanner.com)

“There has been an investigation going on. We still need to discuss with players why. You definitely don't want things to be a distraction going into December.”

— Marcus Semien, MLBPA Executive Subcommittee Member (thebanner.com)

“This is, without a doubt, added stress, added problems, but at the end of the day, I think we'll be OK. We'll be fine. I know we'll be fine. The reality is that we're structured in a way that losing Tony is a big piece, cause he was the head of our union, but he was not our head negotiator, he was not our head lawyer. So, we need to make adjustments, but we are OK.”

— Chris Bassitt, MLBPA Executive Subcommittee Member (thebanner.com)

What’s next

The MLBPA executive subcommittee will need to discuss with players the reasons behind Tony Clark's resignation and how the union will move forward in its negotiations with MLB owners for a new collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of December 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the added stress and challenges posed by Tony Clark's expected resignation and the federal investigation into the MLBPA's finances, Chris Bassitt and other union leaders express confidence that the organization's structure and leadership will allow it to successfully navigate the upcoming CBA negotiations with MLB owners.