One of the biggest storylines to unfold this offseason has been the rising tensions between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball.
The conflict stems from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s proposal to eliminate more than 40 Minor League affiliates, which he believes would pave the way for higher player salaries and improved work conditions.
MiLB has opposed this idea, believing that the reduction of more than a quarter of the league’s affiliates would have a negative effect on the sport and economy.
Manfred doubled down on his stance and essentially threatened to walk away from Minor League Baseball unless a compromise can be made.
Complicating matters is the fact that the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) between MLB and Minor League teams is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
MiLB and MLB would need to agree to a new PBA and have it ratified before the start of the 2021 Minor League season in order to continue their longstanding relationship.
While talks have picked up in recent weeks, there is no evidence that progress is being made. One can even surmise that the two sides are farther apart in negotiations after recent public barbs.
MiLB released a statement last week, denying MLB’s claims that they are not “participating in these negotiations in a constructive and productive manner.”
Prior to the roadblock, MiLB sent MLB a lengthy letter that outlined five key talking points in their discussions. The first of which focuses on providing suitable facilities for full-season Minor League teams.
MiLB additionally wants to prevent MLB from reducing the total number of players in short-season ball. They went on to emphasize the importance of keeping the Appalachian League intact.
MiLB also shot down MLB’s “Dream League” concept, which would replace affiliated teams with independent league teams in certain cities.
MiLB also clarified that they “do not pay MiLB owners and their partner communities that supply the facilities and league infrastructure that enable players under contract to MLB teams the opportunity to compete at a high level and establish whether they have the capability to play in the Major Leagues.”
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