With word that the Blue Jays had broken the dam on minor league pay, bumping those (still really modest) salaries by around 50%, with MLB encouraging other related improvements for minor leaguers, it was only a matter of time before a progressive organization like the Cubs got this on their radar.
And it is on their radar:
#Cubs have discussed raising minor-league pay, as Blue Jays did https://t.co/AjmWrUmilI via @suntimes
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 21, 2019
Of note, Theo Epstein did not say this is a change the Cubs are ready to put in place, noting that this is occurring against the backdrop of the broader push by MLB for better minor league pay, and I’d imagine he’s probably in a tricky spot to comment on this kind of commitment. Epstein no doubt can see the possible competitive advantage, but at a time when the baseball operations budget is stretched thin, he may not be in the best position to make any pronouncements on his own.
But, yes, the Cubs are talking about increasing minor league pay. It’s on the table. I think it’s fair, then, for those of us who want to see minor leaguers paid a livable wage to keep the pressure on. One way or another, the Cubs organization can afford to do what the Blue Jays have already done, and ultimately, it would be be a good thing for the Cubs organization.