MLB Investigates Agent Over Alleged Financial Misconduct with Phillies' Rojas

Major League Baseball (MLB) has launched an investigation into former player agent Yasser Mendez following allegations of financial misconduct involving Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas. The inquiry stems from a grievance Rojas filed with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) in August 2024, accusing Mendez of orchestrating high-interest cash advances, pressuring him into personal investments, and mismanaging his taxes.

According to the grievance, Mendez arranged two cash advances for Rojas totaling $875,000 in 2019 and 2022. The repayment terms allegedly exceeded 20% of Rojas's pre-tax major league earnings. After Rojas's major league debut in 2023, Mendez purportedly pressured him into investing $450,000 in 4Pro, Mendez's Venezuelan baseball academy. Additionally, Mendez is accused of mismanaging Rojas's taxes in 2020 and failing to pay them in 2022.

Mendez was employed by Rep 1 Baseball, which, along with former Chief Operating Officer Chris Koras, is also named in the grievance. Rep 1 was acquired by Klutch Sports Group in 2023, and Mendez was terminated a year later. Koras now heads Klutch’s baseball division. In response to the grievance, Rojas and his attorney were accused of attempting to extort $7.5 million from Klutch Sports Group.

This case follows a similar lawsuit filed by San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. in June 2025. Tatis sued Big League Advance (BLA) to nullify a contract he signed at age 17, which entitled the company to 10% of his future earnings. The agreement, made in 2017, granted him $2 million upfront, and under the terms, he now owes BLA $34 million following his $340 million contract signed in 2021. Tatis's legal team deems BLA's actions as exploitative and predatory, targeting vulnerable young athletes, particularly from disadvantaged Latin American backgrounds.

These cases highlight a growing concern within professional baseball regarding financial agreements between young, often inexperienced players and agents or investment firms. The MLBPA has previously warned agents about such agreements, noting that terms could be "significant" and urging agents to "proceed with caution."

The allegations against Yasser Mendez and the subsequent MLB investigation underscore the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of financial relationships between players and agents. As similar cases emerge, the baseball community must address these issues to protect the interests and well-being of its players.

MLB Schedule - Phillies @ Giants on Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025 at 12:45 PM PDT - Phillies @ Padres on Friday, Jul 11, 2025 at 06:40 PM PDT - Phillies @ Padres on Saturday, Jul 12, 2025 at 04:35 PM PDT - Phillies @ Padres on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 at 01:10 PM PDT - Angels @ Phillies on Friday, Jul 18, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT - Angels @ Phillies on Saturday, Jul 19, 2025 at 03:05 PM PDT - Angels @ Phillies on Sunday, Jul 20, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT - Red Sox @ Phillies on Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT - Red Sox @ Phillies on Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT - Red Sox @ Phillies on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025 at 04:05 PM PDT - Phillies @ Yankees on Friday, Jul 25, 2025 at 04:05 PM PDT - Phillies @ Yankees on Saturday, Jul 26, 2025 at 10:05 AM PDT - Phillies @ Yankees on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT - Phillies @ White Sox on Monday, Jul 28, 2025 at 04:40 PM PDT - Phillies @ White Sox on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 at 04:40 PM PDT - Phillies @ White Sox on Wednesday, Jul 30, 2025 at 11:10 AM PDT - Tigers @ Phillies on Friday, Aug 01, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT - Tigers @ Phillies on Saturday, Aug 02, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT - Tigers @ Phillies on Sunday, Aug 03, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT - Orioles @ Phillies on Monday, Aug 04, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT

These games may provide opportunities to observe Rojas's performance amid the ongoing investigation.