MLB announced a new policy that is expected to provide more than 90% of assigned Minor League players across every level with furnished housing accommodations at each Major League club’s expense, beginning with the 2022 season.
The plan provides housing to Minor Leagues who earn less than six-figure salaries and are playing or practicing in any level of the farm system and Spring Training Complex.
The change comes at a time when the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLB and the Players Association is due to expire at 8:50 p.m. PT on Dec. 1 and with no new deal in sight.
“The owners went into our first season modernizing the player development system focused on addressing longstanding issues that have impacted Minor League players for decades,” MLB’s executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword said.
“As part of the new system, owners increased salaries from 38-72% for 2021, improved facilities, provided more amenities and better clubhouse conditions, removed all clubhouse dues, and reduced in-season travel with better geographical alignment.
“Owners knew that a change of this scale always meant that more work would need to be done to achieve our shared goals. This step forward recognizes that the unprecedented nature of the past two years has further exacerbated affordable housing challenges across the country that existed before the pandemic.
“The owners are confident that this investment will help ensure that Minor League players have every opportunity to achieve their dreams of becoming Major Leaguers.”
Many players have been vocal or shown support for getting better living conditions for Minor League players as the majority of them make less than $15,000 per year for what is more than a full-time job when training is considered.
Los Angeles Dodgers free agent Chris Taylor was among the MLB players showing support for Minor Leaguers as he wore a wristband during the postseason with the text “#FairBall,” which is a campaign from Advocates for Minor Leaguers.
Specifics of MiLB housing plan
To be compliant with the 2022 Minor League Housing Policy, teams must provide housing accommodation options located at a reasonable, commutable distance from the ballpark.
Bedrooms must contain a single bed per player, and there shall be no more than two players per bedroom at all player development levels.
Accommodations must be furnished, and clubs will be responsible for basic utility bills at their provided living arrangements.
To the extent that apartments, rental homes, or host families are not feasible, clubs may choose to provide hotel rooms that satisfy standards put in place.
The Housing Policy will only apply to players under a Minor League contract.
Players shall be entitled to receive housing accommodations any time they are directed to report but will always retain the right to opt out of the team-provided housing.
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