Union Advocate Rick Shapiro Cuts Ties With MLBPA
By Brian Cass
Long-time union advocate for the MLBPA, lawyer Rick Shaprio, has parted ways with the Player's Association. With the CBA for the MLB set to expire in 2021, this move could have profound ramifications for the negotiations between the players and owners.
The union has declined to comment on the matter, making this departure all the more strange with CBA negotiations right around the corner.
"Fierce Union Advocate" Rick Shapiro Parts Ways With MLB Players Association https://t.co/Q6AS6C4sIk pic.twitter.com/IkDxnyH5ZR
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 20, 2019
Following the death of Mike Weiner and appointing Tony Clark to lead the union, Shapiro's contributions have lessened. He has a history of CBA negotiating and seemed like he could get a deal done before the current agreement expires.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes, "Haven spoken to multiple agents tonight who feel this is a big loss for the union, in part because Shapiro also was a key figure in the arbitration process and this loss of institutional knowledge and advocacy will not easily be replaced."
The departure of top players union lawyer Rick Shapiro may not be big national news but it’s sparked concern that a strike’s likelihood is even greater than feared. Shapiro, like Mike Weiner, was seen as a dealmaker. Additionally his knowledge of arbitration was vital for players
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2019
With Shapiro out the door, a player's strike following the 2021 seems almost inevitable at this point. And it appears that both the players and owners aren't interested in negotiating at this juncture either.
We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out as the CBA expiration continues to loom over the MLB.