The agency that represents New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is suing the Major League Baseball Players Association after an investigation into its business practices placed a “death penalty” on its representation, . As a result, Alvarez’s extension talks have ceased with the Mets, the company said.
The Bad Bunny-founded Rimas Sports accused the MLBPA of a “discriminatory, biased and pre-determined investigation,” ESPN reported. Rimas Sports, under its corporate name Diamond Sports LLC, sued in U.S. District Court in San Juan, Puerto Rico, accusing the MLBPA of violating Puerto Rico’s general tort claim and tortious interference with its contracts to represent players. Rimas seeks a temporary restraining order from the union so that it can keep operating.
On April 10, the MLBPA decertified agent William Arroyo and “prevented” two Rimas executives from certification after accusations they provided improper benefits to players. The cut has been widespread, Rimas said.
:
Rimas argued that the sanctions have caused the company “irreparable harm,” citing the union’s prevention of certified agents from working with Rimas; a note sent from MLB to teams warning them not to deal with Rimas employees; and the unwillingness of third parties to engage with the company.
As examples, Rimas cited an inability to continue negotiating a contract extension for catcher as well as losing the opportunity to sign reigning National League MVP . as a client due to the penalties.
Rimas announced later Thursday it had signed a representation agreement with Acuña, but the union said the Atlanta star did not have a listed agent.
The union issued a notice of discipline to Rimas agents Arroyo, Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda on April 10 and fined them $400,000 for misconduct. Arroyo was an agent certified by the union to represent players and represented Alvarez and Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio. Arroyo was decertified and the other two told they could not apply for certification. Alvarez has played only 16 games this season after suffering a torn ligament in his thumb April 19.
“For nearly two years, the MLBPA scrutinized the agency in a discriminatory, biased and pre-determined investigation, all designed to put Rimas Sports permanently out of business,” Rimas said in its complaint. “From late April 2022 through February 2024, the MLBPA worked to eliminate Rimas Sports from the sports agency market, intentionally preventing certified agents from working with Rimas Sports in any capacity.”
Rimas said the union told Michael Velazquez, whom the company was considering for employment, that his certification would be suspended if he worked for or associated with Rimas or the banned employees. Velazquez then disassociated with Rimas, the company said.
Rimas claimed the union’s actions were beyond scope of its authority to regulate agents under the National Labor Relations Act and the union’s agent regulations. Rimas asked for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the union.
The MLBPA declined comment, spokeswoman Silvia Alvarez told The Associated Press.
