Complete List of 42 Minor League Teams That Would Be Eliminated Under Proposed MLB Realignment
By Jerry Trotta
The Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) between Major League Baseball and minor league teams expires at the end of the 2020 season.
With the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA), between Major League Baseball and minor league teams set to expire, MLB previously suggested a proposal -- a realignment -- that would reduce the number of minor league clubs from 160 to 118 beginning in 2021.
Well, we now have an update and it features a complete list of the 42 MiLB teams that would be eradicated. Put your reading glasses on, folks, because it's a lengthy chopping block.
These are the 42 minor league teams that would be contracted under MLB's realignment plan...
— Kyle Lesniewski (@KyleL_Brewers) November 17, 2019
...which was reportedly developed by the Astros, Orioles, and our Brewers. pic.twitter.com/axCgGL5d8m
There are many variables to consider here, but perhaps the most notable is the complete disintegration of the Pioneer, New York-Penn, and Appalachian leagues.
MLB originally claimed that its plan was primarily due to the pedestrian conditions and facilities at a plethora of minor league organizations. The league seems more than willing to offer a large chunk of those teams up as sacrifices for their future plans.
These teams were chosen to be contracted based on a combination of perceived facility quality, proximity to opponents/parents teams, and league that they play in. The MiLB teams that remain would then be realigned to form new leagues/affiliations.https://t.co/P4JrmkWeNW
— Kyle Lesniewski (@KyleL_Brewers) November 17, 2019
No matter your stance on minor league baseball, these developments cannot, under any circumstances, be considered a win for the sport. Thousands of individuals could potentially be out of seasonal and full-time jobs.