Tatis Jr. Sues BLA Over Contract: Seeks to Void Million-Dollar Deal

Fernando Tatis Jr. Seeks to Void Financial Contract

The San Diego Padres star, Fernando Tatis Jr., has filed a lawsuit against Big League Advance (BLA). The aim is to void the future earnings contract he signed when he was a 17-year-old minor league player. This agreement could cost him $34 million. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of employing predatory tactics to lure him into an “investment agreement” that was, in reality, an illegal loan. According to the lawsuit, BLA falsely presented itself to Tatis, concealing its unlicensed status and pressuring him to accept loan terms prohibited by California consumer protection laws.

I am fighting this battle not only for myself, but for everyone who still pursues their dream and hopes to provide a better life for their family.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

Attorney Robert Hertzberg stated that the lawsuit also seeks a public injunction to protect young athletes from being lured into these types of agreements. Hertzberg added that Tatis received $2 million upfront in exchange for 10% of his future earnings. Tatis signed a contract for $340 million and 14 years in February 2021. Hertzberg indicated that Tatis would also be required to hand over future earnings from any subsequent contract he might sign, unless the agreement is voided. Tatis’ statement, provided by a publicist, also expressed his desire to protect young players from predatory lenders and illegal financial schemes. Tatis emphasized that the focus of young people should be on their passion for baseball, not on avoiding shady business deals.

Tatis, son of the former Major League player, declined to make further comments before Monday night’s game against the Washington Nationals. Hertzberg stated that, although Tatis signed the agreement in his native Dominican Republic, he is covered by California’s consumer protection laws. BLA declined to comment. Hertzberg, former president of the California State Assembly and leader of the California Senate majority, stated that California lawmakers have established serious and direct protections against predatory financial activity, but BLA has ignored our laws to pursue a business model based on prohibited, deceptive, and abusive practices. Tatis has become one of the biggest stars in sports, although he has been affected by injuries and an 80-game suspension by MLB in 2022. He debuted in 2019 and was an All-Star at shortstop in 2021 before being moved to right field, where he was an All-Star last year.