New MLBPA boss puts Cubs players on notice with warning that feels unavoidable

Drama took center stage for the MLB Players Association this week as Tony Clark resigned from his position as the union's executive director. Clark's resignation came after an internal investigation was completed, and chief negotiator Bruce Meyer was elected as his replacement. Meyer spent most of Wednesday meeting with players throughout the league, and that included an ominous warning to Chicago Cubs players.

Of course, every movement by the MLBPA will be scrutinized over the course of the next year, considering the current CBA is set to expire in December. While both sides have expressed public optimism that a lockout can be avoided, that wasn't the message that Meyer had when he met with the Cubs this week.

“A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement. The league has pretty much said that. Their strategy in bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on players as they can to try and create divisions and cracks among our membership. It’s never worked. I don’t think it ever will work.”

Cubs players just got sobering warning from MLBPA chief

This offseason seems to have confirmed that a lockout is unavoidable. While some teams, including the Cubs, haven't been shy about spending, the Los Angeles Dodgers are once again at the center of the looming CBA gridlock. Specifically, many have pointed to Kyle Tucker's contract as being the straw that will break the camel's back when it comes to negotiations between baseball owners and the MLBPA.

Lost in the refreshing comments from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts earlier this week, when he talked about the desire to win more World Series, was the fact that he may have indirectly suggested that a lockout would take place next offseason. When asked about where things stand with the CBA, Ricketts' message to fans was to enjoy the season ahead.

Spending is certainly going to be at the center of the negotiations, and it's worth pointing out that regardless of potential changes, the Cubs should be in a healthy spot.

Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Phil Maton, and Shelby Miller are the only guaranteed major league contracts that the Cubs have on their books after this season. An extension or two could change that, but the Cubs' way of operation shouldn't change dramatically once a new CBA is established.