Trevor May posted a nearly 15-minute video on Foul Territory calling out Rob Manfred’s tactics and warning MLB players not to trust the commissioner.
The former pitcher accused Manfred of actively dividing players while trying to manipulate them into accepting his leadership.
May Breaks Down Manfred’s Revenue Share Manipulation
The numbers tell a damning story about Manfred’s tenure. Revenue share has plummeted from 63% in 2002 to just 47% today, a massive 16-point drop that coincides with Manfred’s leadership since 2015. May pointed out the hypocrisy of Manfred promising to restore a 50-50 split when the league previously operated at much higher player revenue shares.
May didn’t mince words about who’s responsible for this decline. Players and owners both remember what the league achieved before Manfred took control, making his current promises ring hollow.
“The person saying it is the number one reason that revenue has dropped 16%. Even though, he’s like ‘hey guys, it’s gone down, the PA isn’t as strong as it used to be.’ No s***. It’s because of you. What point are you trying to make? You are not the good guy!” May proclaimed.
He continued, “Part of the strategy is for him to reach the players and make them trust him. Why would you be trusted when you have actively lowered the revenue. You have proven that you are actively trying to ruin revenue for the players in the last 25 years. So why would anyone trust you to have your best interest in mind?”
Former Player’s Perspective Carries Weight in Union Battle
May brings credibility to his criticism as someone who recently competed at the highest level. The right-handed pitcher spent nine seasons in MLB from 2014-23, compiling a 36-28 record with a 4.24 ERA across stints with the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Oakland Athletics. His longest tenure came with Minnesota, where he pitched from 2014-16 and again from 2018-20.
Having been in clubhouses during Manfred’s reign, May understands the commissioner’s attempts to build direct relationships with players. This insider knowledge makes his warnings particularly pointed, as he’s witnessed firsthand how Manfred operates behind the scenes.
The timing of May’s comments coincides with Manfred’s recent claims that MLB is missing out on $2 billion due to the current revenue-sharing structure. May views this as another manipulation tactic rather than a genuine concern for the sport’s financial health.
The battle lines are clearly drawn heading toward December 2026, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires. May’s public stance reflects growing player frustration with Manfred’s leadership, and the 16% revenue decrease gives the union significant ammunition in upcoming negotiations.
Another lockout appears increasingly likely unless dramatic changes occur in how revenue gets distributed between owners and players.