VIDEO: Blake Snell Comes Out Powerfully Against MLB Player Pay Cuts in Twitch Stream

A reported Major League Baseball proposal is said to involve a 50-50 revenue split among players. The plan, set forth to accommodate a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, is facing some backlash among the athletes who would be losing money in the supposed system. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell was particularly strong in his insistence that he would refuse any drop in his already-agreed-upon salary while talking to fans during a Twitch stream on Wednesday.

Here’s Blake Snell discussing MLB’s revenue split proposal this afternoon on Twitch. pic.twitter.com/CCyCai42Aj
— John Flanigan (@jflan816) May 13, 2020

He stated that as much as he loves the sport, it's not worth the risk of contracting coronavirus if he isn't going to be making his previously agreed upon salary. This season, his expected payout was $7 million, already prorated in a prior agreement.

His comments were received poorly by some fans who felt that his opposition was unfair given the fact that he'd still be making a lot of money for playing only half a season.

I understand the health risks, but Blake Snell saying he’s not playing a shortened season “until I get mine” sounds incredibly tone deaf with 36 million people out of work in this country. https://t.co/j1lTV2FtTf pic.twitter.com/CPaC5D8iwZ
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) May 14, 2020

Snell later spoke with the Tampa Bay Times to clarify that he understands how his statement may have been perceived. He insisted that his primary concern was about the health risks associated with reopening the league. He said he wants to make sure everyone involved with the sport and anyone they might come in contact with is safe.

Yes, he could've phrased this better. No, the sentiment isn't off.