The agency representing New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is suing the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) following an investigation that led to a “death penalty” on its representation rights, according to ESPN and the Associated Press via a federal lawsuit filed Thursday. This has halted Alvarez’s contract extension negotiations with the Mets, the agency reported.
Rimas Sports, founded by Bad Bunny, alleged the MLBPA conducted a “discriminatory, biased, and pre-determined investigation,” ESPN stated. Rimas Sports, operating as Diamond Sports LLC, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Juan, Puerto Rico, accusing the MLBPA of violating Puerto Rico’s general tort law and interfering with its contracts to represent players. Rimas seeks a temporary restraining order to continue its operations.
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On April 10, the MLBPA decertified agent William Arroyo and blocked two Rimas executives from certification, following allegations of providing improper benefits to players. This has had a significant impact on Rimas, the agency claimed.
According to ESPN:
Rimas argued that the sanctions caused the company “irreparable harm,” citing the union’s ban on certified agents working with Rimas, an MLB advisory to teams against dealing with Rimas employees, and third parties’ reluctance to engage with the company.
Examples given include the stalled contract negotiations for Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez and the lost opportunity to sign National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. as a client. Rimas later announced it had signed Acuña, but the union stated the player did not have a listed agent.
The MLBPA issued disciplinary notices on April 10 to Rima’s agents Arroyo, Noah Assad, and Jonathan Miranda, and fined them $400,000 for misconduct. Arroyo, who represented Alvarez and Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio, was decertified, and the other two were barred from applying for certification. Alvarez has only played 16 games this season due to a thumb ligament injury on April 19.
Rimas stated in its complaint that the MLBPA’s nearly two-year-long investigation aimed to force Rimas Sports out of business. From April 2022 through February 2024, the MLBPA allegedly worked to eliminate Rimas from the sports agency market by preventing certified agents from collaborating with Rimas in any way.
Arbitrator Michael Gottesman denied the agents’ request to block the MLBPA, a decision the union asked a federal court in Manhattan to confirm.
Founded in 2021 to represent Latin players, Rimas claims to have 68 clients, including 14 major leaguers. The union allegedly warned Michael Velazquez, a potential Rimas employee, that his certification would be suspended if he associated with Rimas or its banned employees, leading Velazquez to cut ties with Rimas.
Rimas asserted the union’s actions exceeded its authority under the National Labor Relations Act and agent regulations. The agency sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the union.
The MLBPA declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Silvia Alvarez, The Associated Press reported.
