A new collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and minor-league players, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, marks a historic shift.
This agreement represents a milestone for minor leaguers who have long advocated for improved compensation and working conditions. With the new deal, salaries for minor-league players will see huge increases.
For instance, players in the Complex League will see their earnings rise from $4,800 to $19,800 annually, while those in Low-A will go from $11,000 to $26,200. The salary boosts extend up to the Triple-A level, where players will earn between $35,800, up from $17,500.
Under the new agreement, players will receive compensation nearly throughout the entire year, excluding a six-week winter break, and will be reimbursed retroactively for four weeks of spring training.
Additionally, the agreement improves living standards for minor-league players. Every Double-A and Triple-A player will now have a private bedroom. Players in High-A and Low-A who currently share housing will have the option to decline team-provided housing in favor of a stipend. The new provisions also ensure that housing arrangements can accommodate players’ spouses and children.