The talk of the sports world has been Major League Baseball’s failure to come to terms with the MLB Players Association, resulting in MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announcing Tuesday that they would be canceling the first two series of the regular season.
As commissioner, Manfred has been at the front of the criticism the league has received for not being able to come to an agreement. Now has one more critic in Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder Mike Trout.
Trout posted this message on social media on Wednesday blasting the owners and Manfred for not being able to come to an agreement.
“I want to play, I love the game, but I know we need to get his CBA right,” wrote Trout. “Instead of bargaining in good faith – MLB locked us out. Instead of negotiating a fair deal – Rob (Manfred) canceled games. Players stand together. For our game, for our fans, and for every player who comes after us. We owe it to the next generation.”
Regarding The MLB Lockout: pic.twitter.com/QQUC1pWr5F
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) March 2, 2022
This was certainly out of character for Trout. While he is one of the best players of this generation, he is usually a mild-mannered guy who doesn’t voice his opinion on social media.
Manfred and Trout do have some history as the commissioner once publicly criticized the Angels star for not doing enough to build his and MLB’s brand. The Angels organization and many baseball fans came to Trout’s defense, criticizing Manfred as well.
MLB fans and players picked up on this right away. Many realized that if Trout is speaking out on the issue, then things may really be problematic for the future of baseball moving forward.
When the Big Dog speaks up you know you messed up @MLB Not only is Mike Trout probably 1 of the 5-10 best players ever but he is also the perfect pro athlete. His words carry enormous weight. https://t.co/EAUGm5cgNN
— Ty Greene (@TyGreene5) March 2, 2022
Concise, poignant, sharp, easy to read. Honestly, I got no notes. Good stuff Mike. https://t.co/1zhJqcGOco
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) March 2, 2022
"Rob canceled games" https://t.co/kqtUoqOPSn
— BetOnline (@BetOnline_ag) March 2, 2022
The Big Fish has spoken. #NoLiesDetected https://t.co/kwp3MhlgJJ
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) March 2, 2022
It remains to be seen how far this lockout will go and what it will take to bring the two sides together. It seemed like the players and the owners were coming closer on negotiations on Monday, but MLB said that they were submitting their “final offer” to the players on Tuesday, which clearly did not work.
Regardless, this is certainly a huge statement from arguably the best player in baseball. It seems like his opinion holds some real weight when it comes to the fans as the lockout continues.
