Minor League Baseball in 2020 and Beyond: Challenges and Future Plans

### Introduction

The minor league baseball world is facing unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, major league baseball owners voted not to fund minor league baseball until the situation is under control and fans can return to stadiums. This decision means that the minor leagues did not have a regular season in 2020. However, there is hope that they will be able to resume operations in 2021.

### The Current Situation

As of now, the regular season for minor leagues is about to conclude, and playoffs are set to begin next week. For the 2020 season, minor league baseball did not play at all. This reality brings about the question: will minor league baseball be back in 2020, and what does the future hold?

### The Expanded Arizona Fall League Proposal

There is a proposed plan for minor leaguers, which involves expanding the Arizona Fall League (AFL). This expanded version of the AFL might find a counterpart in Florida, allowing all 30 teams to participate. The AFL is usually a six-team affair, but this expanded version would start much earlier, potentially as early as July or August, in contrast to the typical September start.

#### Pros and Cons of the Expanded AFL

Pros:

It provides prospects with additional development time. It allows players to mix and mingle with prospects from other teams, potentially improving overall skill levels.

Cons:

Cost: Prospects in the AFL typically receive a much higher stipend than the current 400 weekly stipend paid to minor leaguers. This proposal may not be feasible given the financial constraints imposed by the current situation. Prospects Left Out: Even with the expanded version, each team will still have around 200 prospects who would not get any development time. This could lead to a loss of talent and future prospects. COVID-19 Concerns: Bringing all these players together could increase the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Enhanced testing and safety measures would need to be implemented.

### The Road Ahead

The plan for the minor league baseball season will not be put into place until the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and the owners reach a decision on the future of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. An expanded AFL is just the first proposal and is likely to change before implementation.

### Conclusion

The future of minor league baseball remains uncertain, but there is a desire for it to resume operations. The AFL proposal is one potential solution, but it comes with significant challenges that need to be addressed. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for all parties involved to collaborate and find a viable solution that ensures the health and development of the players while maintaining financial sustainability.

Keywords: minor league baseball, 2020 season, AZ Fall League