The Minnesota Twins have committed to paying their minor-league players a $400-per-week stipend and their full benefits through Aug. 31, which is around when the 2020 MiLB season was scheduled to end, a source told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Minnesota also doesn't plan on releasing any minor leaguers, Passan added. The reported financial commitment comes a day after MLB teams released hundreds of minor leaguers to save costs due to the work stoppage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kansas City Royals will pay their minor leaguers for the whole year as well and won't be cutting any players, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners will also be providing payments through August, reports Kyle Glaser of Baseball America. The Boston Red Sox released 22 minor leaguers earlier Friday, but will continue to pay those remaining in the organization until Aug. 31, sources told Alex Speier and Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe.
The Houston Astros are providing weekly stipends and benefits through August, the team announced Friday. The Cincinnati Reds agreed to pay minor leaguers through Sept. 7, reports Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Back in March, clubs agreed to pay MiLB players $400 per week through May 31 when the 2020 MLB season was put on hold.
