Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout sounds off on MLB, Rob Manfred over lockout decision – Yahoo Sports

With Opening Day and the first week of games of the MLB’s 2022 season cancelled over an ongoing labor dispute, some of the sport’s most prominent players are sounding off.

Arguably no player has a bigger draw than Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, a three-time MVP and nine-time all-star, who took a shot at the league and commissioner Rob Manfred.

“I want to play, I love our game, but I know we need to get this (collective bargaining agreement) right,” Trout posted Wednesday in a message to his verified Twitter account. “Instead of bargaining in good faith — MLB locked us out. Instead of negotiating a fair deal — Rob cancelled 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.”

Trout is just another player to add to the chorus of those who criticized Manfred and the league over its handling of the decision.

Manfred on Tuesday announced the cancellation of Opening Day and the first two series of the 2022 season, which could result in the first regular season games lost to a labor dispute since 1995.

“Our failure to reach agreement was not for lack of effort by either party,” says Manfred, who added players will not be paid for any cancelled games. “The unfortunate thing is the agreement we offered players had huge benefits to fans and players.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angels OF Mike Trout sounds off on MLB, Rob Manfred over lockout