Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Chicago Cubs and White Sox players expressed confidence in the strength of the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) following the abrupt resignation of union leader Tony Clark. Players emphasized that the union’s unity and collective voice are its greatest strengths, not any single individual. The resignation comes amid a federal investigation into financial impropriety at One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the MLBPA, NFL Players Association and RedBird Capital Partners.

Why it matters

The MLBPA is set to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB before the current deal expires on December 1. Clark’s resignation less than 10 months before the deadline raises questions about the union’s leadership transition, but players say the union’s power comes from the players themselves, not just the executive director.

The details

Word of Clark’s resignation spread quickly among players on Tuesday morning. The MLBPA canceled scheduled meetings with the Cleveland Guardians, White Sox and Cubs to allow the union’s 30 player representatives and executive board to discuss next steps. Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, the team’s player representative, said the union’s strength comes from the “unity of it” and that players will come together to “move forward.” White Sox pitcher Davis Martin, part of the team’s union representation, said “player unity is the strength of our union, and that’s not changing with whoever is at the top of it.”

On Tuesday morning, news broke that MLBPA leader Tony Clark had resigned from his position.Clark was scheduled to begin the MLBPA’s annual spring meetings with each team’s players on Tuesday, but those plans were canceled.A union call with all 30 player representatives and MLBPA executive board leadership was expected Tuesday afternoon.
The players

Tony Clark

The former executive director of the MLB Players Association, who resigned from his position on Tuesday.

Nico Hoerner

The Chicago Cubs second baseman and player representative for the team.

Ian Happ

The Chicago Cubs left fielder and former union representative.

Davis Martin

A Chicago White Sox pitcher who is part of the team’s union representation effort.

Andrew Benintendi

A Chicago White Sox outfielder.

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What they’re saying

“The great part about our union is the unity of it. So that’ll be a nice opportunity for everyone to get on the same page and move forward.”

— Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs second baseman and player representative (Chicago Tribune)

“Player unity is the strength of our union, and that’s not changing with whoever is at the top of it.”

— Davis Martin, Chicago White Sox pitcher (Chicago Tribune)

“Ever since I’ve been in the league and been a part of this, there’s never been a question whether the players are together or not because it’s a brotherhood.”

— Andrew Benintendi, Chicago White Sox outfielder (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The MLBPA’s 30 player representatives and executive board leadership are expected to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss next steps following Tony Clark’s resignation.

The takeaway

The Chicago Cubs and White Sox players emphasized that the strength of the MLB Players Association comes from the unity and collective voice of the players, not any single individual. Despite the leadership transition, players expressed confidence that the union will remain strong and united as it prepares to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB.