MLB announces new policy that will provide furnished housing for minor league players

Kevin Gorman | Thursday, November 18, 2021 2:37 p.m.

Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting watches practice with team president Travis Williams (right) and general manager Ben Cherington during spring training at Pirate City in Bradenton.

Major League Baseball announced a new policy that is expected to provide furnished housing to 90% of minor league players at the club’s expense, starting in the 2022 season.

The policy applies to all players except for those under a major league uniform policy contract or making six-figure salaries, and will cover housing costs while they are playing or practicing at any level in the minors, including spring training and extended spring training.

“This step forward recognizes that the unprecedented nature of the past two years has further exacerbated affordable housing challenges across the country that existed before the pandemic,” MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword said in a statement. “The owners are confident that this investment will help ensure that Minor League players have every opportunity to achieve their dreams of becoming Major Leaguers.”

The following guidelines are included in the new policy:

• Clubs must provide housing accommodations at a reasonable, commutable distance from the ballpark.

• Bedrooms must contain a single bed per player, and there shall be no more than two players per bedroom.

• Housing must be furnished, and clubs are responsible for basic utility bills.

• If apartments, rental homes or host families are not feasible, clubs can choose to provide hotel rooms.

Players also have the choice to opt out of the club housing.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington noted that the club has provided housing for their lowest-level minor league players at both Pirate City in Bradenton and their Dominican Republic academy.

“The Pirates fully support the new minor league housing policy, set forth by Major League Baseball today, as the organization has long been on the forefront of this initiative,” Cherington said in a statement. “Whether it is the housing facilities provided to our players at Pirate City in Bradenton, our newly expanded facilities in the Dominican Republic, or the affordable options that have been provided to players at other levels, this has long been a priority under Bob Nutting’s leadership.”