Against the backdrop of the world working to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Major League Baseball has worked to address multiple topics over recent days.
Teams first agreed to pledge at least $1 million each for stadium workers who are facing financial hardship in the wake of the 2020 season being delayed at least until the middle of May.
“Nearly 4 million fans pass through our gates each year, and it wouldn’t be possible without the amazing service provided by our great gameday staff that makes the Dodger Stadium experience so special,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“These are challenging economic times, and we want to make sure that we support those in this committed group that may be having a particularly difficult time.”
MLB then announced a league-wide directive for teams to pay Minor League players a lump sum equal to the allowances that would have been paid through their Spring Training camp (April 8). MLB additionally is exploring options to continue paying Minor Leaguers beyond April 9.
Meanwhile, MLB and the MLB Players Association have yet to finalize plans for players on 40-man rosters. As for those who are looking to make a roster, MLB and the union reportedly agreed to terms if a player is not added and those with bonuses hanging in the balance, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
MLB and the union agree to have all players on non-guaranteed contracts receiving 45 days of termination pay if they don't make 40-man roster. Clubs will have a deadline of 1 day before the anticipated start of the season; and 5 days before the season on retention bonus decisions
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 21, 2020
The MLBPA reportedly sought to guarantee players would receive full service time credit even if the entire 2020 season cancelled. To no surprise, that doesn’t figure to be an agreement MLB and its owners are interested in.
How that ultimately is resolved could have a significant impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Mookie Betts. He is due to become a free agent this winter but would need to accrue 102 days of service time.
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