Cubs

Presented By Cubs Insiders
Cubs

Cubs players are using their social media platforms to blast MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who Monday said he's "not confident" there will be a 2020 season despite saying last week MLB will "100 percent" play this year.

Willson Contreras pulled no punches with his response.

Jason Kipnis rhetorically asked NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who has a solid relationship with players, what he's up to. Steven Souza asked whether baseball could bring Bud Selig — Manfred's predecessor — back as commissioner.

Anthony Rizzo is ready to play ball.

Yu Darvish poked fun at Manfred's guarantee from last week, then posting a photo of Popeyes fried chicken. He followed that with a screenshot of his own October tweet, which translates in English to "Eat fried chicken until death."

Darvish clarified the meaning of that statement on Twitter in October.

 

The players union ended financial negotiations with MLB over the weekend, asking the league to tell them "when and where" to report for the season. Manfred has the ability to mandate a schedule in the range of 50 games, per a March agreement between the two sides.

RELATED: MLBPA ends negotiations with MLB: ‘Tell us when and where’ to report

 

Canceling the season over financial haggling amid a pandemic would be a horrible look for MLB, and playing some semblance of one is better optically than the alternative. Reds starter Trevor Bauer shared his theory behind Manfred's comments in a lengthy Twitter thread.

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of the Chicago Cubs easily on your device.