Bryce Harper expressed his shared sentiment with Rays pitcher Blake Snell, who said Thursday that he was not willing to take less money to play in an at-risk environment for the proposed 2020 season. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Harper backs Blake Snell on not taking pay cut

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/15/20

Bryce Harper stands by Blake Snell, whose comments about taking a pay cut went viral on Thursday.

Speaking on his Twitch stream, which is a video streaming platform that allows people to watch someone play video games, Snell said he was opposed to taking a pay cut to play during the pandemic.

“I’m sorry you guys think differently, but the risk is way the hell higher and the amount of money I’m making is way lower,” Snell said. “Why would I think about doing that?

“Y’all gotta understand, man, for me to go — for me to take a pay cut is not happening, because the risk is through the roof. It’s a shorter season, less pay.

“I gotta get money. I’m not playing unless I get mine,” said Snell.

Here is the video clip, which includes a curse word.

Here’s Blake Snell discussing MLB’s revenue split proposal this afternoon on Twitch. pic.twitter.com/CCyCai42Aj

— John Flanigan (@jflan816) May 13, 2020

Snell signed a 5-year, $50 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last year and is set to make $7 million this year.

He later told The Athletic that he would play for a prorated amount of his salary (e.g. 50 percent of his salary for 50 percent fewer games), but he would not take prorated pay and a further reduction in earnings based on a decline in MLB’s revenue due to a lack of fans.

Much like Snell, Harper was on his Twitch stream when asked for his thoughts on Snell’s comments. Someone told him what Snell said and Harper agreed.

“I love Snell, that’s my guy. He ain’t lying. He’s right. He’s speaking the truth, bro. I ain’t mad at him. Somebody’s got to say it. At least he manned up and said it. Good for him. I love Snell. The guy’s a beast too, one of the best lefties in the game,” said Harper.

Here are Harper’s comments:

Several players reached out to #Rays Blake Snell directly after his comments last night and now more are saying it publicly.

Not everybody will agree, but #Phillies Bryce Harper is the latest to back him: “I love Snell. Somebody has to say it.” https://t.co/VQXQRWC2IB pic.twitter.com/lnVREmcsFs

— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) May 15, 2020

Snell told The Athletic that he received messages from numerous players, including three superstars who thanked him for speaking up. Harper might not have messaged Snell, but he voiced his support for the Rays pitcher.

Snell won the Cy Young Award in 2018 for Tampa Bay and originally was indifferent about the coronavirus back in March. He says his feelings have changed after learning more and speaking with more people about the subject.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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