Marlins Scrap “Practice Squad” Plan After MLB Concerns
MIAMI (AP) — The miami Marlins have abandoned a recently proposed “practice squad” initiative after Major League Baseball raised concerns about potential violations of roster rules and labor practices. The advertisement, which sought former collegiate and professional players, was intended to provide additional competition for the club’s Low-A affiliate.
MLB Steps In, Marlins Comply
MLB officials contacted the Marlins after an advertisement surfaced on social media seeking players for a “practice squad.” The as-deleted post on LinkedIn offered $150 per day for non-professional players to scrimmage against the Marlins’ Low-A team in Jupiter, Florida.
Violation of labor Agreement?
the proposal raised eyebrows as the current collective bargaining agreement mandates a minimum annual salary of $26,200 for Low-A players and $19,800 for rookie-ball complex leagues during the 2024 season.
Practice Squad as a Pipeline?
Marlins officials had envisioned the practice squad as a potential pipeline to the professional ranks. A team official acknowledged the advertisement was not fully vetted before publication. According to the official,the concept was intended to bolster competition within the Marlins’ minor-league system and had generated player interest.
union Involvement
The Major League Baseball Players Association, which now represents minor leaguers, inquired with MLB about the advertisement. MLB officials assured the union that the Marlins had already discontinued the plan.
Minor League Restructuring a Factor
The Marlins’ proposal emerged as many teams grapple with reduced minor league affiliates,a consequence of MLB’s restructuring ahead of the 2021 season that limited each team to four affiliates.The Marlins believed their location near Miami and the abundance of talent in South Florida made them uniquely suited to experiment with a practice squad.
Concerns Among Rival Executives
The concept drew scrutiny from rival executives concerned about potential circumvention of minor-league roster restrictions. Former player Robert Stock questioned whether such practice squads could be used to bypass roster limitations, especially if players where eventually signed from these squads.
No Immediate Plans
As of now, the Marlins have no immediate plans to launch the practice squad initiative. Any future plans would require significant modifications to the original proposal, according to a team official.
How did the proposed pay rate for the “practice squad” players violate the collective bargaining agreement regarding minor league salaries?
Marlins scrap “Practice Squad” Plan After MLB Concerns
MIAMI (AP) — The miami Marlins have abandoned a recently proposed “practice squad” initiative after Major League Baseball raised concerns about potential violations of roster rules and labor practices. The advertisement, which sought former collegiate and professional players, was intended to provide additional competition for the club’s Low-A affiliate.
MLB steps In, Marlins Comply
MLB officials contacted the Marlins after an advertisement surfaced on social media seeking players for a “practice squad.” The as-deleted post on LinkedIn offered $150 per day for non-professional players to scrimmage against the Marlins’ Low-A team in Jupiter, Florida.
Violation of labor Agreement?
the proposal raised eyebrows as the current collective bargaining agreement mandates a minimum annual salary of $26,200 for Low-A players and $19,800 for rookie-ball complex leagues during the 2024 season.
Practice Squad as a Pipeline?
Marlins officials had envisioned the practice squad as a potential pipeline to the professional ranks. A team official acknowledged the advertisement was not fully vetted before publication. According to the official,the concept was intended to bolster competition within the Marlins’ minor-league system and had generated player interest.
union Involvement
The Major League Baseball Players Association, which now represents minor leaguers, inquired with MLB about the advertisement. MLB officials assured the union that the Marlins had already discontinued the plan.
Minor League Restructuring a Factor
the Marlins’ proposal emerged as many teams grapple with reduced minor league affiliates,a result of MLB’s restructuring ahead of the 2021 season that limited each team to four affiliates.the Marlins believed their location near Miami and the abundance of talent in South Florida made them uniquely suited to experiment with a practice squad.
Concerns Among Rival Executives
The concept drew scrutiny from rival executives concerned about potential circumvention of minor-league roster restrictions. Former player Robert Stock questioned whether such practice squads could be used to bypass roster limitations, especially if players where eventually signed from these squads.
No Immediate Plans
as of now, the Marlins have no immediate plans to launch the practice squad initiative. Any future plans would require significant modifications to the original proposal, according to a team official.
Q&A: Marlins’ Practice Squad Debacle
Q: What was the Marlins’ “practice squad” plan?
A: The Marlins proposed a squad of non-professional players who would scrimmage against their Low-A team, offering $150/day. The goal was to increase competition and potentially identify future talent.
Q: Why was the plan shut down?
A: MLB intervened due to concerns that the plan violated the collective bargaining agreement. The proposed pay ($150/day) fell far short of the minimum salary for Low-A players ($26,200 annually in 2024), raising labor and roster rule issues.
Q: how did the MLB Players Association get involved?
A: The MLBPA, now representing minor leaguers, inquired with MLB after seeing the advertisement. MLB assured the union that the plan was discontinued.
Q: What’s the significance of the 2021 minor league restructuring?
A: MLB reduced the number of minor league affiliates each team could have, limiting many to four. The Marlins,located in talent-rich South Florida,aimed to use a practice squad to compensate for the reduced affiliate options and maintain player development opportunities.
Q: What were the concerns from rival executives?
A: Rival teams worried that the practice squad could be used to circumvent roster restrictions, potentially allowing teams to sign players outside the standard scouting and draft processes.
Q: Could the Marlins revive this idea in the future?
A: Yes, but it would require significant changes. Any future plan would need to comply with the collective bargaining agreement, likely meaning a much higher pay rate and stricter adherence to roster regulations. The Marlins would need to ensure the plan benefits players, and isn’t a way to exploit them.
Q: What’s a fun fact about minor league salaries?
A: Before the recent collective bargaining agreement, minor league players often earned poverty-level wages. The increased salaries are a big win for the players’ association.
The Marlins’ practice squad plan was short-lived. While the idea aimed to boost their minor league system,it ultimately clashed with player labor standards and rules.The story serves as a reminder of the vital role of players’ unions in protecting athletes’ rights and ensuring fair compensation.
