Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Trout sounds off on MLB lockout

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/2/22

The MLB Players Association and players across the sport are sounding off in droves after the ongoing owner-imposed lockout led to the first two series of the season being canceled.

There may be no one who has summarized the stance of the players better than Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout, who took to social media on Wednesday to express the solidarity of players across the league and the push being made to keep the entire season from being canceled.

"We owe it to the next generation," Trout wrote. "I love our game, but I know we need to get the CBA right."

Mike Trout weighs in: "Players stand together. For our game, for our fans, and for every player who comes after us. We owe it to the next generation." pic.twitter.com/jtS6haBlO8
— Emma Baccellieri (@emmabaccellieri) March 2, 2022

Trout is, of course, not the only player to take an open swipe at commissioner Rob Manfred and MLB owners for keeping the lockout going to the point that games have been canceled. San Francisco Giants pitcher Alex Wood called the owners' claim they are making an effort to negotiate a PR stunt.

The last 24hrs I’d say there was cautious optimism on the players side because the owners were actually at the table negotiating with us toward a deal. What we’re asking is more than fair. If there’s no deal the optimism from MLB was a PR illusion to make it look like they tried.
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) March 1, 2022

Following the most recent negotiation breakdown on Tuesday, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher and union rep Ross Stripling spoke to SportsNet and accused owners of sneaking things into the fine print of the CBA in an effort to undermine players.