Sat Aug 02 01:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information, focusing on the key points and framing it as a developing story:

**Scherzer Eager to Grill Manfred as Tensions Rise Between MLB Players and Commissioner**

BALTIMORE – As MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred continues his tour of clubhouses to discuss the league’s economics with players, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer is waiting with anticipation, and a list of tough questions. Scherzer’s eagerness comes amidst reports of escalating tensions between Manfred and players, highlighted by a recent confrontation with Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies.

“I have a lot of questions for him,” Scherzer told The Athletic on Wednesday.

Manfred’s tour, which aims to visit all 30 MLB teams, is intended to improve player relations, a point he emphasized after the lockout that ended in March 2022. However, the visits are being met with skepticism by some in the MLB Players Association.

The meeting with the Phillies reportedly became heated after Harper challenged Manfred regarding a potential salary cap, a contentious issue. Former player and current MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa, who accompanied Manfred, allegedly told the Phillies players not to “f— around” with the commissioner, a comment that was perceived by some as a threat. DeRosa later said he was joking.

Scherzer, a veteran player known for his outspokenness and a member of the MLBPA subcommittee that rejected the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), voiced support for Harper’s stance.

“I’m just glad to hear guys are willing to stick up and stand up for each other,” Scherzer said. “These are conscientious issues, these are work stoppage issues, so you are going to see passion from everybody. It’s good to see the passion from all the players across the league.”

The current CBA expires after the 2026 season, and the issue of a salary cap is expected to be a key point of contention in future negotiations. Scherzer’s impending meeting with Manfred in Toronto will be a closely watched moment, potentially offering further insight into the state of player-management relations as the next round of CBA talks looms.

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