Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to sign with Rimas Sports, according to sources briefed on the matter, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Rimas, the agency run by Bad Bunny, is facing significant disciplinary action from the MLB Players Association because Athleticism first reported Friday. Rimas’ agent, William Arroyo, had his license revoked and two other employees awaiting certification will not obtain their licenses, leaving the agency with just one certified agent, Michael Velazquez, and raising concerns about viability Rimas’ long-term career in baseball. Bad Bunny, who launched the agency last year, is a recording artist from Puerto Rico, a multiple Grammy Award winner and an avid baseball fan.
Acuña, asked on Wednesday if he had signed with Rimas, replied “not yet”, although indicating that it was likely. A representative for Rimas did not respond to requests for comment.
Acuña is not believed to be recruiting Rimas as his agent, but rather to manage his marketing and off-field activities. The 26-year-old reigning National League MVP signed an eight-year, $100 million extension with Atlanta in 2019, which is considered incredibly team-friendly considering his career production ( his career WAR is already north of 26). Acuña’s contract runs through 2026 with team options for 2027 and 2028.
The exact reason for Rimas’ MLBPA discipline is unknown, although they have been the subject of several complaints from other agencies to the Players Association, which oversees agent certification, multiple sources briefed on the matter said. case. The Players Association declined to comment.
Some of the complaints involved several employees who were not certified agents but were acting in that capacity, sources said. Several player and agent accounts involve Rimas employees offering large sums of money, cars and other incentives prohibited by MLBPA agent regulations in order to entice players to switch agencies. Rimas is expected to appeal his sanction to the MLBPA.
The expected agreement between Acuña and Rimas raises a number of questions.
Is this allowed?
Technically, yes. The MLBPA, which oversees agent regulation, does not police marketing and business companies in the same way, meaning rules against paying players or giving them large gifts to recruit them do not apply. do not apply.
Acuña, who previously had his marketing and branding work done by the company Xample, does not have any agents listed with the MLBPA, according to sources. Acuña’s previous representative, who negotiated the extension, was Peter E. Greenberg and Associates. They were acquired by Rep 1 Baseball in February 2020.
What does this mean for Acuña’s future in Atlanta?
Acuña made it known this spring that he wanted to be “a Brave for life.” Per the union’s agent rules, it will need an MLBPA-certified agent in order to negotiate any type of new contract extension.
And all the other Rimas customers?
Since news of Rimas’ discipline broke Friday, dozens of players have requested to be placed on the MLBPA’s “Do Not Contact” list, according to multiple emails obtained by Athleticism, which means other agents are prohibited from contacting them. (This action must be initiated by players; agencies cannot ask their clients to be on the DNC list.)
The large number of players over a short period of time is unusual, industry sources familiar with these transactions say. They are almost all Rimas clients, including Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio of the Mets, Livan Soto of the Orioles and top Dodgers prospect Diego Cartaya. Thursday morning, Ezequiel Tovar of the Rockies was also added to the list. Rimas negotiated the seven-year, $63.5 million contract extension he signed this spring. (The deal could reach $84 million if a team option is exercised.)
Sources briefed on the matter said Rimas had informed his clients not to comment on the matter. Privately, sources said, the agency assured players that everything would be fine, which could have prompted players to seek DNC status while Rimas fights her punishment.
In a statement sent to Athleticism On Friday, Rimas said: “At Rimas Sports, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in our industry. Out of respect for an ongoing process in the context of MLBPA agent regulation, we will refrain from making any comment at this time. We remain committed to continuing to serve our customers with excellence.
AthleticismDavid O’Brien contributed to this report.
(Top photo: Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)