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The usually outspoken Bauer was cynical of Manfred's comments. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Bauer, other players react to Manfred hinting there may not be a season

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/15/20

For a segment taped for ESPN's "Return to Sports" special that will air Monday night, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred told Mike Greenberg he's not confident there will be a 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, MLB owners sent a 72-game proposal to the MLB Players Association that included pay equivalent for roughly 50 games. The union rejected the offer.

Per a March agreement between the two sides, Manfred can schedule a campaign that lasts around 48-54 regular-season games with salaries fully prorated. Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Trevor Bauer referenced that Manfred's latest words serve as posturing rather than a threat that there will be no baseball this year:

Is June 15, so how do you delay another 13 days? guess we all got that answer today. Threaten to cancel the season. Threaten arbitration. Threaten grievances. All the while, hold the fans for ransom. Hold the future of the game for ransom. No one believes your bluff, bud.
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) June 15, 2020

Be at least 4 off days in there...so that’s 64 days. Plus about 20 for spring training...84 days. Sept 27-84 days is July 5. Plus about a week to get players to spring training. So tack on another 7, that takes us to June 28. As I have it figured, that’s your deadline. But today
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) June 15, 2020

So, Rob, explain to us how you can be 100% sure that there’s going to be baseball but not confident there will be baseball at the same time? hmmm. What changed between those statements Players told you to set the season, but it’s too early to set the season right now,
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) June 15, 2020

You’re holding a losing hand. Unfortunately, it’s a losing hand for everyone involved, not just you. There’s some saying out there about not killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Check it out on the ole google machine. It’s worth knowing.
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) June 15, 2020

Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper asked a different local team about any openings:

What’s good @Eagles?
— Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) June 15, 2020

Kike Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers isn't buying what Manfred is selling:

pic.twitter.com/ZrA9d8xtFP
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) June 15, 2020

“Good faith” pic.twitter.com/zddVbM5epa
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) June 15, 2020

Seattle Mariners minor leaguer Joe Hudson used Manfred's comments as a way to poke fun at himself:

For the first time in my life, I’m embarrassed to be a professional baseball player. And I’ve made 7 outs in 4 at bats in 1 game before. This is worse.
— Joe Hudson (@joehud4) June 15, 2020

Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez called Manfred a liar:

Unreal how Rob Manfred just lied to the world of baseball Fans that there will be 100% 2020 season couples days ago , today he is not confident #PLAYERSAREREADY #MLB ‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️
— Roberto Perez (@robperez2015) June 15, 2020

Oakland Athletics pitcher Jake Diekman was surprised by the latest update:

I thought we were close to the finish line.
— Jake Diekman (@JakeDiekman) June 15, 2020

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Derek Holland mocked ongoing discussions between the owners and the MLBPA:

pic.twitter.com/aStLxZSuC3
— Derek Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) June 15, 2020

Jameson Taillon, Holland's teammate, said negotiations have been "sooo slimy, tone deaf, greedy, lying, leaking, and overall out of touch:"

These so called “negotiations” (or lack there of) have been sooo slimy, tone deaf, greedy, lying, leaking, and overall out of touch. This is not even close to what you dream of as a kid! Sorry to everyone for this playing out through the media during a pandemic. Brutal.
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon19) June 15, 2020

The MLBPA accused the league of negotiating in bad faith:

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark today released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ibyOqB93WC
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 15, 2020

Lastly, Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito spoke for baseball fans everywhere: