WooSox signing authorization cards brings minor league unionization closer to reality

WORCESTER — WooSox players recently met, discussed and then collectively agreed to sign authorization cards that would allow them to vote to become represented by Major League Baseball’s Players Association.

The PA sent the minor leaguers cards last week, and veteran WooSox players, many of them with major league service time, advised the younger players to sign the cards.

“I did sign the petition, and it was suggested to do it by my teammates, so everybody did it," Red Sox top prospect Triston Casas said. "The opinion of my teammates matters to me, and whenever they support, I want to support as well.”

Prior to the 2021 season, Minor League Baseball had been its own entity for more than a century. Minor league players did not receive the same perks as big-leaguers, but now the Major League Players Association wants to change that.

When the Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and MiLB expired in 2020, it was not renewed. So for the first time, MiLB was played under MLB’s umbrella. Some minor league teams became defunct, and the end result was 120 teams to participate in the new Professional Developmental League.

It’s been nearly two full seasons under the new partnership, and while many of the new guidelines and improvements have worked, the Players Association believes more can be done for minor leaguers.

If the thousands of minor league players agree to unionize, they would form a separate bargaining unit under the Players Association.

Conditions have improved ... and can improve some more

“It’s great that we’re trying to unionize,” Casas said. “It’s great that (the Players Association) is offering this to the minor league players.”

Added Casas, “I haven’t played a big-league game, yet, so I don’t know what those environments are like, but I can imagine that the ones provided for some minor league players could be better. It has gotten better since I’ve entered pro ball, and it has gotten better since I signed, but I know there’s still a long way to go to even that gap between the amenities that are available at the big-league level versus what players have access to in the minors.”

MLB implemented a plan when it took over MiLB in 2021 to improve the experience and lifestyle of the players, modernize facility standards, improve amenities and working conditions for players and staff and create a better geographical divisional alignment. The new schedule also allowed for players to have every Monday off during the season, and less travel means more rest.

This season, MLB enacted a policy that required all clubs to offer housing to minor league players.

“It was long overdue, but I think it was a ploy to try to get us to not unionize,” WooSox player Ryan Fitzgerald said when asked about the upgrades. “It was like, ‘Hey, we’ll give you this, this and this, and hopefully you guys don’t unionize.’ It’s obviously been a huge burden off our shoulders and now (we) somewhat make a living wage.”

The facilities and amenities the WooSox and Polar Park provide for the Red Sox’ top prospects have set a standard of how minor league players should be treated.

Many of the top prospects received massive bonuses when they turned pro and signed their first contracts. Most career minor leaguers aren’t in the same financial situations.

Fitzgerald, 27, has spent his entire career in the minors after he signed with the Red Sox as an undrafted free agent. He also signed the petition.

“I’ve got nothing to lose, I know that,” he said. “It should’ve happened a long time ago. They’ve negotiated so many of our rights up until now, and they always want us when they need us, and then they always want to make the distinction when they don’t need us. It’s time, for sure.”

Minor leaguers merit protection

WooSox manager Chad Tracy played nine pro seasons in the minors before retiring in 2013. He never reached the big leagues, but he understands how important this step by the Players Association is to protect all minor leaguers.

“These guys are pouring everything into it," he said. "A lot of guys are throwing all their chips into the pot to try to make this work.

"This is a dream, so it’s a good thing anytime there’s somebody out there who is looking to fight for them and make it as easy on them as possible while they’re down here to make it smooth for them,” Tracy added. “It’s a good thing.”

Tracy was quick to point out all the new minor league mandates MLB has implemented the past two seasons and how it has helped the players on the field.

“There’s a little more attention to taking care of the guys down here and when they know there are people out there talking about protecting them further it helps (the players’) psyche for sure,” he said.

Red Sox World Series champion Jarrod Saltalamacchia played 582 games in the minors, so he understands the challenges minor leaguers face. Still, he has his own thoughts on the PA unionizing the non-major leaguers.

“I’m torn a little bit,” he said. “When I was coming up, if you wanted all the perks of the big-league life, you had to work for it. You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to go through the grind, and it helps you appreciate things a lot more. We live in a culture that it’s not that way anymore, so you’ve got to adapt.”

The new minor league amenities, including the state-of-the-art ballparks, also benefit the fans. What about the players?

“I wish they had to grind a little bit more, but it’s turning into a lot of great athletes coming up, making a name for themselves, so ultimately if it helps the big-league level and the game of baseball, then I’m all for it,” Saltalamacchia said.

Two-time World Series champion Jake Peavy has his own thoughts about the possible unionization for minor leaguers under the Players Association umbrella.

“It’s about time,” Peavy said, who pitched 98 games in the minors. “It’s great and about time we recognize all of the professional athletes for who they are and what they’re out trying to do. The minor leagues is where it’s truly needed the most.

"It’s always been a sad part of our game when you think about the guys who have had great minor league careers, and they’ve never been in a system with benefits," he added. "It makes me happy that there are concessions being made on all fronts that we’re going to take care oft his issue. I’m super glad about it.”

WooSox outfielder Abraham Almonte has nine years of major league service time, and even though he’s still learning about the Players Association’s intentions, he believes it’s the right thing.

“Whatever helps the game and the players, I’ll agree with it,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what they want to offer, or how they’re going to do it, but if it’s going to be better for the players in the coming years — I’m in.”

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: WooSox sign authorization cards to bring minor leagues unionization closer to reality