Tigers employees will continue receiving their full salaries and benefits without a specific end dateGETTY IMAGES
As many as 25 MLB clubs at present are reported to have committed to paying their employees through May 31, and the Tigers and Rockies "appear willing to go a step beyond with their response to the COVID-19 pandemic," according to Rosenthal & Ghiroli of THE ATHLETIC. The Tigers told employees that they will "continue receiving their full salaries and benefits without setting a specific end date." Sources said that the Rockies also "committed to paying their employees for as long as possible." Rosenthal & Ghiroli reported employees for both clubs are "under the impression that they will be paid beyond May 31, the latest that most teams are willing to commit to right now." The situation is "fluid," so both clubs "might alter their approach." Meanwhile, three "low-revenue clubs" (the Indians, A's and Rays) and two with wealthier ownerships (the Dodgers and Nationals) have "yet to disclose whether they will pay employees through May 31." Sources said that the Dodgers are "working on their plans," and the club last night announced a $1.3M fund for "event staff, concession workers and other contracted game-day staff." Rosenthal & Ghiroli noted the Nationals have "committed to paying front-office employees only through April 30." The Tigers were the "first club to announce" a $1M fund to "cover a month's wages for part-time game and event staff." They also were "among the first to announce they would continue paying minor leaguers their spring-training allowances." Two sources said that Rockies Owner Dick Monfort "specifically asked employees not to reveal the team's intentions ... perhaps out of reluctance to pressure other clubs into following suit" (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/21).
AROUND THE LEAGUE....
- On Long Island, Tim Healey cites a source as saying that the Mets "are 'expected' to pay their full-time baseball and business operations employees their full salaries through at least May 31." Healey reports the salary promises "do not include the largest expense of any team, including the Mets: major-league payroll," nor does it "cover minor-leaguers nor part-time/seasonal stadium workers" (NEWSDAY, 4/22).
- In Newark, Brendan Kuty cites a source as saying that the Yankees told their baseball operations staff yesterday that they will "continue to receive full salaries and benefits through May 31." The source added that it "seemed like the team might 'readdress' the situation after that" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 4/22).
- An Orioles spokesperson yesterday said that "all full-time and year-round part-time employees in baseball operations and on the business side will be paid through the end of May." In Baltimore, Jon Meoli notes that pledge "comes in addition" to the $1M "set aside by the Orioles" for ballpark workers (BALTIMORE SUN, 4/22).
- In Dallas, Evan Grant reports the Rangers have "pledged to their staff they will keep them employed at least through May." The club had "braced for the possibility of further reductions in revenues earlier this month," when, at the time, a group of senior execs "agreed to 20% pay cuts." Outside of that group, there have been "no other pay cuts in the organization" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/22).
- In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey reports the Pirates have "committed to paying their non-playing baseball operations employees through the end of May." The Pirates also are "exploring possible salary reductions for 'highly compensated' employees" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 4/22).
- In Cleveland, Paul Hoynes reports Indians employees "should know by the end of the week if their pay checks or job security are going to take a hit" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 4/22).
- In San Jose, George Avalos reports the Giants are making "cuts of 1,200 part-time, game day employees." The organization has committed $1.7M to "fund Oracle Park event employees during their work hiatus." The layoffs "do not affect any full-time employees." When home games at Oracle Park resume, the Giants "expect to re-hire the part-time employees" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 4/22).
