MLB, MLBPA reach tentative agreement on CBA for minor leaguers

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

MLB, MLBPA reach tentative agreement on historic CBA for minor leagues

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/29/23

Less than 24 hours from Opening Day, Major League Baseball has taken a historic step forward regarding pay for its prospects.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan -- and relayed by union officials -- the MLB Players Association and league have agreed on the first collective bargaining agreement for minor league players.

BREAKING: A deal is in place between the minor league players in the MLBPA and Major League Baseball on the historic first collective-bargaining agreement for minor leaguers, union officials tell ESPN. Deal is five years and includes at least 2x pay at all levels of the minors.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 30, 2023

Details on pay increases in the minor leagues:

Complex league: From $4,800 per year to $19,800
Low-A: $11,000 to $26,200
High-A: $11,000 to $27,300
AA: $13,800 to $30,250
AAA: $17,500 to $35,800

Players will be paid almost year-round, aside from a six-week break in the winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 30, 2023

The agreement includes a bump in pay for all levels from Low-A to Triple-A. Per Passan, the players' pay should at least double and they wil receive checks year-round, aside from six weeks during the winter.

The new minor league CBA comes after years of calls for upheaval to the current system. Last July, MLB settled a federal lawsuit in relation to the issue, agreeing to pay minor leaguers $185 million for minimum wage and overtime violations.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has been outspoken about the topic, telling reporters last season that he rejected the "premise" that minor league players do not make a living wage.

Now, months later, the two sides have seemingly found some common ground. However, as Passan cautions, there are still details to iron out.

"Player leaders have ratified the deal, and it is tentative until the rank-and-file agree, which the union expects," Passan said. "Similarly, MLB owners need to agree after the league office negotiates."

Last season, some minor leaguers earned as little as $400 a week, making Wednesday's CBA deal a massive step in the right direction for players seeking even a hint of financial stability while they chase their Major League dream.

Despite the positive measures, the pay raise still does not come close to what many would consider a living wage. There remains much work to do in this arena.

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