The future of minor league baseball may be in worse trouble than baseball fans realized. According to reports not only is Major League Baseball looking to eliminate over forty minor league franchises but not now the league is threatening to walk over from minor league baseball entirely. According to NBC Sports, Commissioner Rob Manfred said this during the weekend meetings.

If the National Association [of Minor League Clubs] has an interest in an agreement with Major League Baseball, it must address the very significant issues with the current system at the bargaining table. Otherwise, MLB clubs will be free to affiliate with any minor league team or potential team in the United States, including independent league teams and cities which are not permitted to compete for an affiliate under the current agreement

The current deal between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball is set to expire at the end of the 2020 season. Times Union reporter Mark Singelais covered this past week how these changes could effect our local team the Tri-City Valley Cats. Valley Cats President Rick Murphy said this to the Times Union

I think the issues that are the concerns of MLB can be addressed through negotiation and MiLB has a negotiating team that is ready and willing and able to negotiate what we think is a deal that is in everybody's best interest

What do you believe the MLB should do with minor league baseball? What will happen? Let us know below.

 

More From 104.5 THE TEAM