Trout wants to play but 'we need to get this CBA right'

Three-time American League MVP and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout acknowledges wanting to play games but recognizes the importance of labor negotiations to baseball's future.

"I want to play, I love our game, but I know we need to get this CBA right," Trout tweeted.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred officially canceled the first two series of the 2022 season on Tuesday after the league and the players' association failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Trout took aim at Manfred's role in the process.

"Instead of negotiating a fair deal - Rob canceled games," he said.

The nine-time All-Star joins a long list of players who remain committed to securing the best possible deal despite the cancelations.

"Players stand together," he added. "For our game, for our fans, and for every player who comes after us. We owe it to the next generation."

MLB and the MLBPA seemed to agree on a 12-team playoff format after a marathon 16-hour meeting on Monday. However, the two sides still appear to be far apart on core economic issues, including competitive balance tax thresholds and a pre-arbitration bonus pool.