Marc Anthony launches agency, signs Aroldis
International superstar Marc Anthony is getting into the sports agency business, and he's starting with All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
Anthony's MAGNUS Media has created a new division, MAGNUS Sports, which will represent athletes. In addition, MAGNUS Sports has partnered with Praver Shapiro Sports Management, and the group has signed Chapman.
"Baseball, like music, is an ingrained cultural passion for many Latinos throughout the world, and there's no shortage of amazing stars of Hispanic origin," Anthony said in a press release. "Despite that, until now there hasn't been an enterprise specifically designed to meet their needs. With MAGNUS Sports, we are changing the existing dynamics and building a new kind of management company that understands the culture and knows how to build big media brands.
"Beyond the cultural connection, social media is also bringing fans closer to their heroes than ever before. That means that athletes, like other entertainers, need management that can help them with both managing their career and building their brand.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to begin this venture with a prominent talent like Aroldis."
The Cuban-born Chapman, an All-Star each of the last four seasons, has drawn considerable interest on the trade market this winter. The 27-year-old is third-year arbitration-eligible, and he can be a free agent in 2017. The Dodgers, Nationals, D-backs, Blue Jays and Astros are reportedly among the teams interested in him.