One of the most outspoken players across the league — who also happens to be a former member of MLB’s subcommittee — can’t wait to have his moment with Rob Manfred. The Toronto Blue Jays’ 41-year-old veteran is yet to have his first direct interaction with the MLB commissioner. Turns out, he took notes from Manfred’s visit to the Phillies’ clubhouse. He’s completely driven by his former teammate Bryce Harper’s face-off with Manfred.

It’s Max Scherzer if you couldn’t pick up on the hints. Remember when Harper told Manfred to “get the f— out” of the Phillies clubhouse over a salary cap discussion? Yes, the same argument after which former player and current MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa sent the Phillies a dire warning.

He said, “The commissioner’s a powerful guy; don’t f— around with him.” DeRosa later clarified that he was just joking. However, at first, all the Phillies’ phenoms perceived it as a threat.

Manfred has a goal for this year. He wants to improve his relationship with the players and intends to visit all 30 teams in person. The idea is to discuss the game’s economics with the players. The Toronto Blue Jays are awaiting their turn, and more than anybody, the Blue Jays’ star pitcher Max Scherzer is more than ready for his turn. “I have a lot of questions for him,” Scherzer said.

“I look forward to him coming here. I haven’t seen him.” You can sense the excitement, right? Scherzer is unsure when exactly the MLB commissioner will come to Toronto. However, he seems to have done his required homework. “I’m just glad to hear guys are willing to stick up and stand up for each other.” He said, referring to Harper standing up against the salary cap. Both Harper and Scherzer played together for four seasons with the Washington Nationals.

“These are conscientious issues; these are work stoppage issues, so you are going to see passion from everybody. It’s good to see the passion from all the players across the league.” He further added.

For the record, this is the second time Manfred to toured all 30 clubs since the renewed CBA was put into effect. And clearly, players don’t appear to be on good terms with it.

MLBPA strongly opposes the salary cap and Manfred

A lot is brewing around the salary cap. The thing is, the 2026 expiration of Major League Baseball’s current labor deal is right around the corner. And of course, you all know by now how the conflict is already taking its shape.

In the MLB commissioner and the owners’ defense, they want to improve the “competitive balance” and the overall economic structure. However, to the players and MLBPA union, this is just a twisted way of putting it as “we want a salary cap.”

Opposing the whole idea, Tony Clark, the union head, said, “A cap is not about any partnership. A cap is not about growing the game. That’s not what a cap is about. As has been offered publicly, a cap is about franchise values and profits. That’s what a cap is about.” As per him, the league should shift its focus to fixing the other issues in the current system instead of limiting players’ earnings.

And it looks like Pete Alonso from the New York Mets is just as much against it. “We’re going to fight to not have a salary cap, and the league’s not going to like that.” He said.

Both Clarke and Manfred did their part. They had a word with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America before the All-Star game. Many issues were brought up regarding the game and the league. However, if there was one agenda that stood out the most, it was MLB’s financial structure. The current collective bargaining agreement was signed back in 2022. And since then, MLB’s economic setup has become a major focus.

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