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Oakland A’s still refuse to pay minor leaguers in spring training

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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Minor league players have been in the spotlight as a whole over the past few years. After teams, such as the Oakland A’s, attempted to refuse to pay their players during the pandemic, much more attention was given to how those players are treated. The realization that minor leaguers were essentially paid below minimum wage and, in some cases, actually losing money to pursue their dreams was shocking.

Eventually, the A’s, and all the other teams, were guilted by the court of pubic opinion into paying those players. However, the spotlight refused to stop shining. The lack of nutritious food provided by teams, horrendous sleeping arrangements, and, in some cases, teams not having hotel rooms on the road all made those organizations look even worse.

Oakland A’s make some progress with minor league players

But that is supposed to have changed. Teams are supposed to be providing housing for their minor leaguers, with teams also paying their players during spring training and their extended camps. The A’s, at the very least, are showing some progress in their treatment of their minor leaguers.

According to MiLBAdvocates, the A’s are one of three AL West teams that are providing housing for their players. However, the A’s, along with the Angels, are refusing to pay their players that are in extended spring training. At least they are ahead of the Angels overall, as that organization is refusing to pay their players or provide housing.

In a way, it is shocking that John Fisher is even doing that much. After all, he gutted the roster just to pocket more money. The Coliseum is overrun with feral cats and possums are starting to call the stadium home. The A’s even put a pair of folding chairs out instead of fixing broken seats. Anything to bump up Fisher’s bank account balance, right?

Maybe the A’s front office was able to get it through Fisher’s head that, if they are going to rely so much upon their farm system, those players should be treated properly. If it was broken down into terms of an investment in the future, and the possible savings on major league salary, one could understand why Fisher would have been willing to pay for housing.

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The Oakland A’s are making strides with their treatment of their minor leaguers. However, there is still plenty of work left to be done.