While talks indicate that MLB should entertain a plan to restart the season relatively soon, the fact remains that the action is currently stopped and that there is no set date for it to happen. The good thing is that there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, and local fans may be able to see the New York Mets play official games this year.
As a result of the current stoppage, not only the players are affected (especially minor leaguers) but team employees are also feeling the effects of the prolonged absence of baseball.
However, the New York Mets are bringing the good news to their employees. According to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the team will pay their employees through the end of the originally scheduled 2020 season.
While that is awfully good news for Mets’ employees and their families, The Athletic’s report specifies that pay cuts will take effect starting June 1.
A tricky situation for Mets’ staffers
The situation gets tricky for Mets’ employees, however. In case games are played this year, the aforementioned pay cuts will still remain in place, which is rather disappointing.
The scheme is actually very similar to what the San Diego Padres are applying in their organization with coaches, scouts, front office workers, and other executives. The report states that the pay cuts are basically aimed at staffers that earn the most money.
The Mets are taking this road following Commissioner Rob Manfred’s announcement that he will suspend Uniform Employee Contracts beginning May 1, which will let teams take these cost-cutting measures while sports are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, most of the Mets’ players are currently working out at their respective homes as they look to stay sharp and hold to the gains they made during spring training. Some of them are working in pairs, but the majority is staying with family with limited access to training facilities.