MLBPA Debates Successor for Ousted Leader Tony Clark

Possibilities include Bruce Meyer, Matt Nussbaum, Donald Fehr, Daniel Murphy and Andrew Miller

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

After the shocking resignation of Tony Clark as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on Tuesday, the union is quickly moving to name an interim successor. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is considered the leading option, but some players and agents are lobbying for other candidates, fearing Meyer's close ties to agent Scott Boras. Other potential candidates include general counsel Matt Nussbaum, former MLBPA head Donald Fehr, and ex-players Daniel Murphy and Andrew Miller.

Why it matters

The MLBPA is a powerful union that represents the interests of MLB players in collective bargaining and other matters. The choice of Clark's successor will have a significant impact on the upcoming negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which expires on December 1.

The details

The MLBPA's executive board stopped short of naming Bruce Meyer as the interim head after a conference call on Tuesday, as some players and agents are concerned about Meyer's close relationship with agent Scott Boras. Other potential candidates include general counsel Matt Nussbaum, former MLBPA head Donald Fehr, and ex-players Daniel Murphy and Andrew Miller. Several MLB teams, including the Giants, Yankees, Red Sox and Astros, have called meetings to discuss the situation.

  • On Tuesday, Tony Clark resigned as executive director of the MLBPA.
  • The MLBPA's executive board convened a conference call on Tuesday to discuss an interim successor.

The players

Bruce Meyer

The MLBPA's deputy executive director, considered the leading option to replace Tony Clark.

Matt Nussbaum

The MLBPA's general counsel, also a possible candidate for the top job.

Donald Fehr

The MLBPA's executive director from 1983 to 2009, is another potential candidate.

Daniel Murphy

A former MLB player who was active in the MLBPA, is drawing mention as a possible successor.

Andrew Miller

Another former MLB player who was active in the MLBPA, is also being considered.

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What they’re saying

“The bargaining preparation at the union has been ongoing and uninterrupted for the past years. The longstanding positions of the MLBPA are unchanged and strongly supported by the players I represent. The MLBPA has talented, experienced and well-respected legal counsel in place. Their leadership embodies solidarity and is trusted and championed by players.”

— Scott Boras, Agent (The Athletic)

What’s next

The MLBPA's executive board is expected to hold a vote later on Wednesday to determine an interim successor for Tony Clark.

The takeaway

The choice of Tony Clark's successor as MLBPA executive director will be crucial as the union prepares to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB. The internal debate over candidates highlights the complex dynamics and competing interests within the players' union.