The appearance and rise of the coronavirus in our everyday lives has caused us to be more careful in our interactions. Public gatherings of more than 50 people aren’t recommended, our hygiene measures have become important, and many of us are quarantined in our houses waiting for the virus to go away. Baseball and other sports were halted for now, and that left dozens of minor leaguers hanging. But no more.
Minor league players got good news on Tuesday, as MLB announced that teams would pay them $400 per week through May 31 or until the MiLB season starts, whichever comes first. And, as COVID-19 doesn’t allow for the game to be played, teams will continue to guarantee medical benefits to Minor League players, as well.
Initially, MLB had dictated that teams would pay minor leaguers until April 8, which is when the minor league season would start in the first place. Now, players in the minors will collect $400 weekly for the next two months, at least.
The number represents a pay cut for Triple-A players, since the league minimum at that level is established at $509 per week. However, for the vast majority of minor league players, the number represents a salary bump. The minimum for Double-A players, for instance, is $305.
According to the New York Daily News, there is an exception for players who are already receiving housing, food or other services from clubs. The New York Yankees, as well as other teams, are offering housing and food to minor leaguers who were unable to return to their homes. It should be pointed out that the government implemented some restrictions when it comes to traveling in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.
It should be clarified that the announcement notes that this is not minor league player salary under their contracts. Instead, due to the national emergency, all minor league player contracts are suspended, just as big league contracts.