The MLB has been embroiled in a lockout this offseason due to disagreements with the CBA. Amid this dispute between the players and owners, the league has taken a controversial stance regarding their minor league system.
According to Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the MLB is doubling down on their stance of not paying minor league players during spring training. According to the league, their reasoning is that:
“It is the players that obtain the greater benefit from the training opportunities that they are afforded than the clubs, who actually just incur the cost of having to provide that training”
MLB argues for minor leaguers to stay unpaid in spring training: “It is the players that obtain the greater benefit from the training opportunities that they are afforded than the clubs, who actually just incur the cost of having to provide that training” https://t.co/md2BqNjr0X
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 12, 2022
Keep in mind, these MLB owners have a net worth that goes well beyond the billions. For them to argue that the players have more to gain by not being paid is like modern-day influencers not paying for commissions since the artist gets recognition. It’s an incredibly scummy practice that needs to be eradicated.
The MLB’s minor leagues filed a lawsuit eight years ago demanding better rights for them. Since then, the league has done its best to junk this lawsuit. With MLB now in danger of delaying the start of the 2022 season, it’s interesting that they chose this moment to double down on their stance instead of changing.
For now, the MLB’s work stoppage will continue for now. As both the players union and the owners struggle to meet in the middle, the 2022 season might be in jeopardy. We could be looking at a shortened season, or, worse comes to worst: the season is cancelled completely.
