In 2019, Major League Baseball proposed sweeping changes to the minor league system — something that led to a number of teams ceasing to exist or relocating. It was a time of substantial upheaval, made even more so by the effects of the pandemic on, well, everything. But the changes to Minor League Baseball haven’t stopped there. However, the latest announcement looks like it’ll be a substantial plus for many of the players involved.
At The New York Times, James Wagner reports that Major League Baseball has agreed to provide housing for approximately 90 percent of all players in the minor leagues. This policy is set to go into effect next season, and will have a few exceptions — specifically, players who are signed to major league teams, as well as players making over $100,000 annually.
Earlier this year, the Sporting News offered a deep dive into the salaries of minor league baseball players, and compared them to their counterparts in basketball and hockey. The quick version: even with salary increases in place for the 2021, season, a baseball player making the league minimum would make substantially less than a hockey or basketball player in a comparable position.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that housing has become an issue for many minor league players. Factor in the fact that some might move within a team’s system over the course of the season and it becomes even more of a logistical nightmare.
As part of the agreement, the clubs will cover furnished apartments for players, along with some utility bills. Each player will have a bed to sleep in, and there won’t be more than two beds per bedroom. It’s a welcome change.
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