Blake Snell absolutely in the right with salary stance

Blake Snell stated that he refuses to play for a reduced salary. The Tampa Bay Rays ace is absolutely right to take that stance.

On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell set off a media firestorm. He stated that he refused to play during the 2020 season for a reduced salary, citing the risks associated with playing during the current pandemic. Snell was also adamant about his disdain for the proposal from Major League Baseball to restart the season, which called for reduced salaries and revenue sharing.

Snell, and other players, are understandably upset over the latest proposal. They had agreed to a pay cut back on March 26 in light of the abbreviated season. Now, ownership wants the players to take further pay cuts, claiming poverty and major financial losses as their reasoning.

Snell’s stance has been taken up by other players. Phillies star Bryce Harper agreed with his position, saying that Snell is speaking the truth. And, as Harper said, someone had to say what was on every player’s mind. Snell just jumped to the forefront.

The truth of the matter is that Snell is absolutely correct. The players are the ones taking the risks, putting their health on the line for the amusement of the fans. They are the ones who have to worry about any potential return of the pandemic. And now the owners want the players to take another pay cut?

Snell’s assertation that he refuses to play for a further reduced salary, and would be willing to sit out the entire 2020 season, may not just be his personal feelings. Other players may take that same stance, refusing to play if the owners are not going to pay their salaries.

At the end of the day, Snell is just voicing the opinions held by the players. The Player’s Union had already balked at the latest proposal from the owners, in large part due to the latest request to cut salaries. Snell is simply saying what the players feel, that they refuse to take another pay cut to put themselves on the line.

Blake Snell has said that he will not play if owners want to cut salaries further. And frankly, he’s right by taking that stance.