Tony Clark, the head of the MLB Players Association, has criticized Commissioner Rob Manfred's comments about the possibility of future lockouts, pointing out the negativity they bring to labor discussions.

Despite the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) having two seasons left, there are already concerns about a potential work stoppage before Opening Day in 2027.

The league's recent history includes a lockout during the 2021-22 offseason, which interrupted a long period of labor peace between owners and players.

Manfred has expressed worries about financial disparities within MLB, labeling it a top priority, yet he refrained from criticizing the Los Angeles Dodgers for their spending, instead attributing the issue to the system.

The discussion around a salary cap remains contentious, as it has historically been a significant point of conflict between team owners and players.

MLB has a notable history of work stoppages, with eight occurring between 1973 and 1995, underscoring that labor disputes are a recurring theme in the league.

In a recent interview, Manfred described offseason lockouts as providing leverage in collective bargaining, calling it a 'positive' in a 'bizarre way.'

Clark warned that Manfred's suggestion of a lockout becoming a new norm could ignite further discussions about labor relations, which are already tense.