Big League Advance is a company that "offers select minor leaguers upfront payments in exchange for a percentage of their future MLB earnings," but in the view of many player agents and the MLBPA, the company is "far from an altruistic venture," according to Ken Rosenthal of THE ATHLETIC. BLA President & CEO Michael Schwimer, a former MLBer, said that the goal of his company is to "help minor leaguers guard against uncertain futures." The upfront payment from BLA is "not a loan -- if a player busts, he owes the company nothing." But Indians C Francisco Mejia, who is suing the BLA, alleges that it "used 'unconscionable' tactics to persuade him to give up" 10% of his future earnings for "three separate payments totaling $360,000." BLA, which "denies any wrongdoing, filed a counterclaim asking the court to dismiss Mejia's case." Sources said that at least two other agencies also are "considering filing suit against BLA on behalf of clients." One prominent agent, whose agency is considering whether to take legal action, called the company, "a very, very bad thing for players that needs to be regulated by the league and the union." Rosenthal noted BLA's actions, which sometimes "include bypassing agents and contacting players directly, also have drawn attention" from MLB (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/20).
