Rob Manfred's comment on MiLB wages was tone-deaf, disrespectful

Rob Manfred’s tone-deaf comments

In a press conference Tuesday, controversial MLB commissioner Rob Manfred turned a blind eye to the dedication and struggles of minor league players.

Minor league players are only paid during the season, despite the year-round work they do. Annual salaries range from $4,800 to $14,000 — depending on the level of the affiliate the athlete currently plays for. 

Early draft picks can rely on their signing bonuses to carry them through their time in the minors, but that represents a small number of players in the system. How are players supposed to meet the physical demands of training when they can’t afford to nourish their bodies? Or have to sleep on the floor in an overcrowded apartment? 

Manfred’s comment was extremely tone-deaf and flat-out disrespectful to the players whose work allows him to make millions each year. Team owners and MLB as a whole would be nowhere without the sacrifices these players make to chase their dreams. Executives profit from the exploitation of their players. 

The Brewers’ minor league affiliates

There’s no way around it — the Brewers’ treatment of minor leaguers isn’t pretty. Recent data from Advocates for Minor Leaguers shows that the Crew ranks near the bottom of MLB organizations.

The Brewers are the only team in the NL Central and one of three in the entire league that refuses to first, pay minor leaguers for extended spring training this year and second, ensure that each minor leaguer has their own bedroom in team housing at each level. This is embarrassing and shouldn’t continue.

Looking forward

The Brewers welcomed a host of fresh faces to their minor league system during this year’s MLB draft. But what awaits them? The Brewers organization owes these young men better than what is presently promised. It’s past time for Milwaukee to take care of its future.

The MLB recently settled a lawsuit with minor leaguers resulting in a $185 million settlement to be distributed among some 23,000 players. The Senate Judiciary Committee is beginning to look at Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption. Removal of this exemption could lead to major change for minor league players. However, the Brewers should do the right thing now and start taking care of their players without being forced to.