• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Fernando Tatis Joins Bad Bunny’s Agency Despite MLBPA ‘Death Penalty’

Tatis Jr. signed with Rimas Sports, which saw its union certification revoked in 2024 after an investigation found it bribed players.

Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) looks on from the dugout before game five against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s newest representation is blacklisted from the Major League Baseball Players Association. 

On Tuesday, the Padres star agreed to a management deal with Rimas Sports, the agency co-owned by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. 

In the announcement, Rimas said it will “expand [Tatis’s] portfolio as an athlete, businessman and philanthropist,” while overseeing marketing and brand relations, among other services. 

A year ago, the MLBPA revoked the agent certification of William Arroyo, Rimas’s main agent and denied certification to company executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda after a union investigation found the agency gave a $200,000 interest-free loan and a $19,500 gift as a way to bribe players to sign with Rimas. Rimas also offered concert and NBA tickets to players they didn’t represent, the investigation found. The MLBPA also fined Rimas $400,000 for misconduct. Rimas referred to the punishments as a “death penalty.” 

“At Rimas Sports, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity of our industry,” the company said in a statement issued to ESPN in April 2024.

The agency launched in 2023 and within a week of its existence, the MLBPA received evidence that Rimas offered players cash and gifts to switch agencies. Rimas specifically targeted Latin players, with Hall of Fame catcher Iván Rodríguez serving as an ambassador for the agency. 

Mets catcher Franciso Alvarez, Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, and Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.—all natives of Venezuela—-are represented by Rimas. 

In October, federal arbitrator Ruth M. Moscovitch upheld the MLBPA’s five-year suspensions of Assad and Miranda and reduced Arroyo’s to three years. 

While barred from negotiating with teams, Rimas can still help players seek endorsement deals and off-field partnerships. Given that MLB free agency is linked with a player’s service time, Rimas can represent players for years before their client would need a new on-field contract (outside of arbitration), by which time Arroyo’s suspension could expire. 

Luckily for Tatis, he likely won’t need a new baseball contract anytime soon. In 2021, he signed a 14-year contract extension with the Padres for $340 million, which was negotiated by Dan Lozano of MVP Sports, one of the biggest agents in baseball. The contract came with a no-trade clause and no opt-outs. 

A spokesperson for the MLBPA declined to comment about Tatis’s decision to sign with Rimas. 

In his court testimony, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said “he has never seen so many violations of so many different regulations over a significant period of time,” Moscovitch wrote. 

Jennifer H. Rearden, a U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York, set a Feb. 18 deadline for the suspended agents to file a response to the union’s motion to confirm the suspension, but the date passed without any court filings. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cubs Land 2027 MLB All-Star Game After Lengthy Pursuit

MLB will bring the Midsummer Classic to one of baseball’s cherished ballparks.
Carlos Correa
exclusive

Twins Moving Toward Selling Team After Deadline Teardown

Minnesota moved about 40% of its roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Jul 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) walks to the dugout after the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Target Field.

MLB’s Biggest Buyers in Frantic Deadline Weren’t Top Markets

Teams besides the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees dominate MLB’s trade deadline.
Bristol Motor Speedway

MLB’s Long Road to Its Most Unusual Game Yet

The special-event game features a unique blending of baseball and racing.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
Leo Messi
exclusive

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
McLaurin
August 1, 2025

Terry McLaurin Asks Out of Washington Amid Contract Standoff

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68 million contract. 
August 1, 2025

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 31, 2025

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
July 31, 2025

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.
July 29, 2025

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was cofounded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Jul 24, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Venus Williams (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Magdalena Frech (POL)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day four of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
July 29, 2025

Venus Williams Returns to U.S. Open Ahead of New Mixed Doubles Format

The number of doubles teams at the US Open has been cut to 16 from 32.