Rob Manfred Gifted Each MLB Player Bose Headphones and Wrote a Letter of Appreciation

The Athletic's Stephen J. Nesbitt reports that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred tried to extend an olive branch to players by giving them a pair of headphones.

In a letter to players, he thanked them for everything they do in a game that has a rich history and deep meaning to fans in the U.S. and around the world.

Stephen J. Nesbitt @stephenjnesbitt

Rob Manfred has said he needs to repair his relationship with MLB players following the lockout. Here’s a small gesture from Opening Day. Each player had a gift box waiting at their locker with Bose headphones and this “note of appreciation” from Manfred inside. pic.twitter.com/kxHnGcoaQT

This gesture doesn't do anything to address the issues players laid out in the most recent collective bargaining agreement. It is a cynical tactic that shows a fundamental inability to grasp the dynamic between labor and management.

There was no question that Manfred was unpopular with players and fans when the process dragged on.

Any commissioner is going to generate some distrust and acrimony because he or she is a representative for the team owners.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal argued that Manfred has a knack for saying the wrong things in public settings, offending players and fans.

Manfred needs to be a better leader, not only in driving new revenue streams for the owners, but also in setting a better tone for his sport.

The battle over a new labor deal in MLB felt particularly difficult because of the divisive nature of the negotiations. The owners didn't tackle the serious issues until the calendar turned over to 2022.

David O'Brien of The Athletic said one player had reached out to say the owners don't want to just win, they want to kill their own product.

If he really wants to rebuild his relationship with the players, he has a lot of work to do.

The headphones are a great way to listen to the commissioner when he says something.