The MLB Players Association is launching an investigation into Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos after he made comments that the union says “question the integrity” of the free-agent system.
Union head Tony Clark issued a statement Wednesday in response to remarks attributed to Anthopoulos during a conference call with media.
According to the union, Anthopoulos said: “Every day you get more information. And we’ve had time to connect with 27 of the clubs — obviously the Astros and (Nationals) being in the World Series, they were tied up — but we had a chance to get a sense of what the other clubs are going to look to do in free agency, who might be available in trades."
Baseball’s labour contract prohibits clubs from acting in concert in free agent negotiations.
"The statements made by Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos call into the question the integrity of the entire free-agent system," Clark said in a statement Wednesday. "The clear description of club co-ordination is egregious, and we have launched an immediate investigation looking into the matter."
In a statement released Wednesday, Anthopoulos apologized “for any confusion” his comments may have caused.
With files from The Associated Press.
