While MLB is trying to start its season in July, many teams are watching their finances. The New York Mets released 39 minor league players on Thursday, according to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized.
Sources: The Mets released 39 minor league players today. Here they are: pic.twitter.com/OdJ92eza2E
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 28, 2020
The Mets join 14 other teams that have released minor league players. The releases come as teams try to cut and reduce costs.
MLB teams had initially planned to pay their minor leaguers throughout the coronavirus lockdown. MLB then announced that all minor leaguers would be paid $400 a week through April 8 before extending that plan through May 31. The Mets, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays, and St. Louis Cardinals are among teams that will continue paying their minor leaguers $400 a week through June, according to Baseball America.
The baseball community can expect many more minor leaguers to be cut over the next week, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. 1,000 or more players could lose their jobs when all is said and done.
Across baseball, hundreds of minor league players were cut today and lost their jobs, sources tell ESPN. Hundreds more will be released over the next week. In the end, upward of 1,000 players could see their baseball careers end. The minor leagues have simply been devastated.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 28, 2020
While there might not be any minor league baseball this year, a shortened MLB season will likely happen.
