● A minor-league CBA will soon be in place, though it still needs to be ratified by both MLB and the MLBPA. Among the highlights of the deal:
- Dramatic increases in salary:
- $4,800 to $19,800 for the FCL/AZL
- $11,000 to $26,200 for Low-A
- $11,000 to $27,300 for High-A
- $13,800 to $30,250 for AA
- $17,500 to $35,800 for AAA
- Minor-league FA after six seasons for players signed at age 19+
- Reduction in the organizational limit for domestic players to 165 from 180, in-season (175/190 in the offseason) starting in 2024
- No contraction during the life of the CBA (2023-2027 seasons)
- Joint drug agreement and domestic violence policies
- Feedback mechanisms for future rule changes
As Baseball America put it, a player signed in 2019 has seen more change in the last four years than what’s happened in the previous 50.
● The Red Wings’ Opening Day roster still has not been released, but even if/when it is, a lot can change between then and when the other affiliates start up next week.
● While this is old news to us, MLB announced that the pitch clock shaved 26 minutes off the average spring-training game times from 2022. Bold prediction: Shock and awe in late April as the dearth of MLB catchers who can truly catch combined with new pickoff rules will lead to more steals.