The Mets released an unspecified number of minor-league players on Thursday, a source said, and committed to paying the rest their weekly $400 stipend through June.
In addition to the Mets, the Mariners, Brewers, Rays, Nationals, Orioles and Reds also reportedly cut minor-leaguers this week, and more clubs are expected to do so. The farm system bloodletting seems to be the result of several factors, including the expected cancellation of the 2020 minor-league season, the potential contraction of the minors starting in 2021 and a desire for what amounts to minuscule savings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although MLB and the players' union hope to salvage the major-league season, the same is unlikely for the minors, which financially is almost entirely dependent on fans attending games. Minor-leaguers do not have a union. Without a normal minor-league season, teams don't have anywhere to put all of their normal 200 or so farmhands for 2020.
