More heads roll at MLBPA

BROOKLINE, MA - APRIL 08: A "locked out" padlock and chain against an official MLB baseball are configured to represent a potential lockout between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) for the 2027 MLB season, as photographed on April 08, 2026 in Brookline, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

MLBPA chief operating officer Xavier James and head of human resources Michael O’Neill have been fired with cause, according to Jeff Passan.

This comes on the heels of Tony Clark’s resignation as the executive director of the MLBPA in February. Clark was having an “inappropriate relationship” with his sister-in-law, who was also working for the union, it was reported. The Department of Justice has been investigating a venture owned by the MLBPA that reportedly spent millions with little to show for it.

Passan is reporting that former major league pitcher Chris Capuano is replacing James as the COO of the MLBPA. Capuano, who spent parts of 12 seasons in the majors for six different teams, most notably the Milwaukee Brewers, had been the senior director of operations in business and strategy. Ian Penny is reportedly taking over as interim chief human resources officer.

The union turmoil is taking place at an unfortunate time, as this is the last season of the current CBA. Last time around, there was a lockout that lasted several months and didn’t end until March, 2022, resulting in a truncated spring training and a delay to the start of the season. Negotiations are expected to be at least as contentious this year, with the owners reportedly gearing up to once again chase their white whale — a salary cap.