GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox veterans emphasized the togetherness of players around the majors in the wake of the surprising news Tuesday that MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark had resigned.
Clark, who had held the role since 2013, stepped down as the union gears up to begin collective bargaining with MLB for a new labor deal. The current contract expires Dec. 1.
MLB might be headed toward a lockout to start next season, with owners and executives seemingly pushing to impose a salary cap, something players historically have opposed.
Outfielder/designated hitter Andrew Benintendi, the Sox’ most veteran player with 10 big-league seasons under his belt, said the talk about a potential lockout only has brought players closer together. He said the goal is always to prioritize the players’ needs, even if that means sacrificing some games next season.
‘‘Obviously, I think we want to be out on the field,’’ Benintendi said. ‘‘[But] there’s a lot of things we can’t control. Going forward, we’re always going to be together. Talks will happen, and we’re going to put players first. We want to be out there; we don’t want to miss games. But if that’s what needs to happen, we’re going to be together and go from there.
‘‘What’s important is that I think all the players are in unison, as we always have been. We’ll be in discussions in the next day or two. We’ll leave it at this.’’
Tony Clark has resigned as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Right-hander Davis Martin said player representatives planned to meet with the union later Tuesday to speak about next steps. He and other veterans on the Sox expressed pride in the brotherhood of the union.
‘‘You’re talking [about] guys who have played together, guys who have played against each other for years — all the way through the minor leagues, all the way through the major leagues,’’ Martin said. ‘‘You get to play with guys, and those relationships never change. I can call [former Sox left-hander] Garrett Crochet right now, and we can have a conversation.
‘‘Unity across the board is our strength; it’s always been our strength. Baseball players, in a nutshell, are always cut from similar cloth, regardless of country, origin, in general. That’s our perspective.’’
In the wake of the news about Clark, the union canceled the start of its yearly spring-training tour of all 30 clubs, which was set to begin with the Guardians and Sox.
Clark’s resignation also comes amid a federal investigation into the MLBPA’s finances related to a youth baseball company.
High praise for Chase, Braden
Manager Will Venable raved about second baseman Chase Meidroth and outfielder Braden Montgomery — both of whom were acquired in the Crochet trade with the Red Sox last offseason — as two guys who ‘‘did an outstanding job and added a ton of jumps in a lot of different metrics’’ during the offseason.
He said Montgomery’s maturity stands out for a 22-year-old.
‘‘He has a very thoughtful plan,’’ Venable said. ‘‘Everything he does is with a purpose. Not surprising that after a healthy offseason he’s able to turn his body into even more of a weapon than it was before. He’s an extremely physical guy that has put on good weight and looks great out there.’’
Meidroth, who spent the bulk of last season as the Sox’ leadoff hitter, appears ‘‘more flexible and mobile’’ this spring, Venable said.
‘‘He looks great running; it looks like he’s faster,’’ Venable said. ‘‘Credit to him.’’