A latch assembly for a cylindrical baler for latching a bale discharge gate to the front section of the baler. The bale discharge gate is moveable by a hydraulic cylinder back and forth between a closed position for bale formation and open position for bale discharge. The latch assembly includes a latch member fixed to the front section of the baler; a latch hook, for engaging the latch member, pivotably mounted to the gate; and an actuator arm connected between the latch hook and the hydraulic cylinder for engaging and disengaging the latch hook with the latch member responsive to the retraction and extension of the cylinder. The improvement comprises a resiliently biased slidable connection between the latch hook for permitting the actuator arm to be moved responsive to the retraction of the cylinder plunger even though the latch hook may be restrained from movement due to misalignment of the latch hook with the latch member.