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Minor League Baseball

Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience

A minor league baseball game in San Jose, California, in 1994.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a group of professional baseball teams that are not part of Major League Baseball (MLB). These teams are connected to MLB teams and help young players learn and improve their skills. The first minor league was created on September 5, 1901, because some teams could not afford to compete with the big leagues like the National League and American League.

MiLB teams work with MLB teams. The MLB teams provide players and staff, and in return, they can move these players up to the big leagues when they are ready. There are different levels in MiLB, where players start at the lowest level and can move up as they get better. These levels include the Rookie League, Single-A, High-A, AA (Double-A), and AAA (Triple-A).

In 2021, MLB made big changes to MiLB, reducing the number of teams to 120. These teams are spread across different places, including Arizona and Florida for spring training. There are also special leagues in places like the Dominican Republic to help players from there. Some teams not connected to MLB are called Partner Leagues.

History

Joe DiMaggio during his time playing in the Pacific Coast League, c. 1930s

The earliest professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, began in 1871. It included all professional teams, but it was hard to keep things fair because some teams had more money than others. The National League started in 1876, only allowing the strongest teams to join.

Minor leagues began as groups of teams that weren’t strong enough to join the National League. One of the first true minor leagues was the Northwestern League in 1883. It was a permanent organization, unlike earlier groups.

Patrick T. Powers, the first president of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players

In 1901, leaders of minor leagues met in Chicago and formed the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). This group helped minor leagues stay independent.

In 1921, Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) agreed that MLB teams could own minor league teams. This helped MLB develop young players before they joined the big leagues. Over time, minor leagues became very dependent on MLB for money and players.

After World War II, minor leagues were very popular, but television made many fans choose to watch major league games instead. Minor leagues agreed to let MLB show games in their areas in return for money.

In 2021, MLB made big changes to minor leagues, reducing the number of teams and levels.

Classification history

19th century

The earliest classifications for minor league baseball started around 1890. These levels helped protect player contracts and agreements between teams.

20th century

Jackie Robinson with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in July 1946

After the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues began in 1901, the classifications changed. By 1902, leagues were grouped into different classes like Class A, B, C, and D.

Additional levels were added before World War II, including Class AA in 1912 and Class E in 1937 for new players.

Postwar changes

In 1946, new levels were created. Class AAA, called Triple-A, was introduced, and some leagues were moved to this level. The "Open" classification was added in 1952 for one league, but it returned to Triple-A in 1958.

Rob Manfred

Reorganization of 1963

A big change happened in 1963 because fewer teams were joining. Some leagues stopped, and others changed levels. Lower levels were dropped because they couldn’t keep going.

Changes between 1963 and 2021

The system stayed mostly the same until 2020. Leagues were grouped into six classes: Triple-A, Double-A, Class A-Advanced, Class A, Class A Short Season, and Rookie. Rookie had further divisions.

Reorganization of 2021

In 2021, Major League Baseball made big changes. Many teams lost their affiliations, and leagues were renamed. The classifications were simplified, and new leagues were created for different levels. The number of teams was reduced, and some leagues were shut down or renamed.

ClassAggregate population of
cities in the league
Salary cap
(per month)
team / player
Draft fee†Protection fee‡
Class Amore than 1 million$1800 / $175n/a$50
Class B400,001 to 1 million$1000 / $125$300$30
Class C200,001 to 400,000$800 / $100$200$20
Class Dup to 200,000$700 / $75$100$10
TeamPrevious leaguePrevious classNew leagueType
Auburn DoubledaysNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonPerfect Game LeagueCollegiate
Batavia MuckdogsNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonPerfect Game LeagueCollegiate
Billings MustangsPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Bluefield Blue JaysAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Boise HawksNorthwest LeagueA–Short SeasonPioneer LeagueIndependent
Bristol PiratesAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Burlington BeesMidwest LeagueAProspect LeagueCollegiate
Burlington RoyalsAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Charlotte Stone CrabsFlorida State LeagueA–AdvancedFolded
Clinton LumberKingsMidwest LeagueAProspect LeagueCollegiate
Danville BravesAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Elizabethton TwinsAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Florida Fire FrogsFlorida State LeagueA–AdvancedFolded
Frederick KeysCarolina LeagueA–AdvancedMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate
Grand Junction RockiesPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Great Falls VoyagersPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Greeneville RedsAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Hagerstown SunsSouth Atlantic LeagueAFolded
Idaho Falls ChukarsPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Jackson GeneralsSouthern LeagueAAFolded
Johnson City CardinalsAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Kane County CougarsMidwest LeagueAAmerican AssociationIndependent
Kingsport MetsAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Lancaster JetHawksCalifornia LeagueA–AdvancedFolded
Lexington LegendsSouth Atlantic LeagueAAtlantic LeagueIndependent
Lowell SpinnersNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonFolded
Mahoning Valley ScrappersNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate
Missoula PaddleHeadsPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Northern Colorado OwlzPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Norwich Sea UnicornsNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonFutures LeagueCollegiate
Ogden RaptorsPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Princeton RaysAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Pulaski YankeesAppalachian LeagueRookie AdvancedAppalachian LeagueCollegiate
Rocky Mountain VibesPioneer LeagueRookie AdvancedPioneer LeagueIndependent
Salem-Keizer VolcanoesNorthwest LeagueA–Short SeasonMavericks LeagueIndependent
State College SpikesNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate
Staten Island YankeesNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonFolded
Trenton ThunderEastern LeagueAAMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate
Tri-City ValleyCatsNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonFrontier LeagueIndependent
Vermont Lake MonstersNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonFutures LeagueCollegiate
West Virginia Black BearsNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate
West Virginia PowerSouth Atlantic LeagueAAtlantic LeagueIndependent
Williamsport CrosscuttersNew York–Penn LeagueA–Short SeasonMLB Draft LeagueCollegiate

Organization

Minor League Baseball is a group of professional baseball teams that are not part of Major League Baseball. These teams are connected to MLB teams and help develop players who might one day play in the big leagues.

As of the 2022 season, minor leagues are split into four main levels: Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, and Single-A. MLB teams may also have rookie teams in places like the Arizona Complex League, Florida Complex League, and the Dominican Summer League. While MLB teams play 162 games, minor league seasons are shorter. In 2022, Triple-A teams played 150 games, Double-A teams played 138 games, and High-A and Single-A teams played 132 games each.

Triple-A

Main article: Triple-A (baseball)

A Class A-Advanced California League game in San Jose, California, in 1994

Triple-A is the highest level of minor league baseball. It includes two leagues: the International League with 20 teams and the Pacific Coast League with 10 teams. These leagues were called Triple-A East and Triple-A West in 2021. Triple-A has teams along the Atlantic coast, the Midwest, the Pacific coast, and the southwest.

Both young players and more experienced players can be found in Triple-A. Teams often keep players here who are on their 40-man roster but not currently playing in the majors. These players can quickly move up to the big leagues if needed.

Double-A

Main article: Double-A (baseball)

Double-A has three leagues: the Eastern League with 12 teams in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the Southern League with 8 teams in the Deep South, and the Texas League with 10 teams in the Southwest and Great Plains.

Will Rhymes bats during a Class A game between the West Michigan Whitecaps and Kane County Cougars in September 2006

Many top young players are in Double-A, getting ready to move to the majors. Some more experienced players from other countries may also start here.

High-A

Main article: High-A

High-A is the level below Double-A. It has three leagues: the Midwest League with 12 teams in the Midwest, the Northwest League with 6 teams in the Pacific Northwest, and the South Atlantic League with 12 teams in the eastern states.

Players in High-A are often moving up for the second or third time. Some new players from college may start here.

Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, in April 2009

Single-A

Main article: Single-A

Single-A is the level below High-A. It has three leagues: the California League with 8 teams in California, the Carolina League with 12 teams, and the Florida State League with 10 teams. Most teams in the Florida State League are owned by MLB teams and use their spring training facilities.

Players in Single-A are usually moving up from rookie leagues or are new players joining professional baseball.

Rookie

A 2011 Double-A game between the Montgomery Biscuits and Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina in August 2011

Minor league rookie teams play shorter seasons, usually starting in mid-June and ending in late August. These teams are in the Arizona Complex League, Florida Complex League, and the Dominican Summer League.

Rookie leagues have about 60 games and are where new players practice their skills. Fans do not pay to watch these games, and no food is sold.

Rosters sizes in Minor League Baseball
LevelActive roster size: 10–11 Player restrictions: 100 
Triple-A28 playersNo restrictions
Double-A28 playersNo restrictions
High-A30 playersNo more than 2 players and 1 player-coach with
6 or more years of minor-league experience
Single-A30 playersNo more than 2 players with
5 or more years of minor-league experience
U.S.-based
Rookie
No limitNo more than 3 players with
4 or more years of minor-league experience
International
Rookie
35 playersNo players with
4 or more years of minor-league experience

Leagues and affiliations

Main article: List of Minor League Baseball leagues and teams

Minor leagues

Minor League Baseball consists of several levels of professional baseball teams that are affiliated with Major League Baseball teams. These teams compete in different leagues, each representing a different level of play.

Triple-A

Double-A

High-A

Single-A

Rookie

Off-season leagues

Showcase league

Partner leagues

Major League affiliations

Map

!Bisons

Bisons

!Knights

Knights

!Clippers

Clippers

!Bulls

Bulls

!Stripers

Stripers

!Indians

Indians

!Cubs

Cubs

!Jumbo Shrimp

Jumbo Shrimp

!IronPigs

IronPigs

!Bats

Bats

!Redbirds

Redbirds

!Sounds

Sounds

!Tides

Tides

!Storm Chasers

Storm Chasers

!Red Wings

Red Wings

!RailRiders

RailRiders

!Saints

Saints

!Mets

Mets

!Mud Hens

Mud Hens

!Red Sox

Red Sox

!Isotopes

Isotopes

!Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas

!Aviators

Aviators

!Comets

Comets

!Aces

Aces

!Express

Express

!River Cats

River Cats

!Bees

Bees

!Space Cowboys

Space Cowboys

!Rainiers

Rainiers

!Sod Poodles

Sod Poodles

!Travelers

Travelers

!Hooks

Hooks

!RoughRiders

RoughRiders

!RockHounds

RockHounds

!Naturals

Naturals

!Missions

Missions

!Cardinals

Cardinals

!Drillers

Drillers

!Wind Surge

Wind Surge

!RubberDucks

RubberDucks

!Curve

Curve

!Rumble Ponies

Rumble Ponies

!Baysox

Baysox

!SeaWolves

SeaWolves

!Senators

Senators

!Yard Goats

Yard Goats

!Fisher Cats

Fisher Cats

!Sea Dogs

Sea Dogs

!Fightin Phils

Fightin Phils

!Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels

!Patriots

Patriots

!Shuckers

Shuckers

!Barons

Barons

!Lookouts

Lookouts

!Clingstones

Clingstones

!Biscuits

Biscuits

!Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos

!Trash Pandas

Trash Pandas

!Smokies

Smokies

!Sky Carp

Sky Carp

!Kernels

Kernels

!Dragons

Dragons

!TinCaps

TinCaps

!Loons

Loons

!Captains

Captains

!Lugnuts

Lugnuts

!Chiefs

Chiefs

!River Bandits

River Bandits

!Cubs

Cubs

!Whitecaps

Whitecaps

!Timber Rattlers

Timber Rattlers

!Tourists

Tourists

!Hot Rods

Hot Rods

!Cyclones

Cyclones

!Keys

Keys

!Grass-hoppers

Grass-
hoppers

!Drive

Drive

!Spartanburgers

Spartanburgers

!Renegades

Renegades

!BlueClaws

BlueClaws

!Emperors

Emperors

!Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks

!Dash

Dash

!Emeralds

Emeralds

!AquaSox

AquaSox

!Hops

Hops

!Indians

Indians

!Dust Devils

Dust Devils

!Canadians

Canadians

!GreenJackets

GreenJackets

!RiverDogs

RiverDogs

!Fireflies

Fireflies

!Shorebirds

Shorebirds

!Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers

!Nationals

Nationals

!Crawdads

Crawdads

!Cannon Ballers

Cannon Ballers

!Howlers

Howlers

!Pelicans

Pelicans

!RidgeYaks

RidgeYaks

!Warbirds

Warbirds

!Marauders

Marauders

!Threshers

Threshers

!Tortugas

Tortugas

!Blue Jays

Blue Jays

!Mighty Mussels

Mighty Mussels

!Hammerheads

Hammerheads

!Flying Tigers

Flying Tigers

!Cardinals

Cardinals

!Mets

Mets

!Tarpons

Tarpons

!Grizzlies

Grizzlies

!66ers

66ers

!Storm

Storm

!Tower Buzzers

Tower Buzzers

!Quakes

Quakes

!Giants

Giants

!Ports

Ports

!Rawhide

Rawhide

Current team locations:

  • International League
  • Pacific Coast League
  • Eastern League
  • Southern League
  • Texas League
  • Midwest League
  • Northwest League
  • South Atlantic League
  • California League
  • Carolina League
  • Florida State League

Team rosters

Classification hierarchy

The following classifications, listed from highest to lowest, have existed since the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (the formal name of Minor League Baseball) was established prior to the 1902 season. Only seasons where a change was made to the hierarchy are listed; class introductions after 1902 appear in bold font, while class eliminations appear in italics. Not all defined classifications were used each season.

Notes:

  • High-A was formerly Class A-Advanced (A-Adv) before 2021
  • Class A was officially known as Low-A during the 2021 season
  • A (Short) denotes Class A Short Season
  • Rk-Adv denotes Rookie Advanced
  • Rk denotes Rookie

Return only the adapted Markdown section. No explanation, no preamble.## Leagues and affiliations

Main article: List of Minor League Baseball leagues and teams

Minor leagues

Minor League Baseball is made up of several leagues that are affiliated with Major League Baseball teams. These leagues are organized into different levels, from the highest (Triple-A) to the lowest (Rookie).

Triple-A

Double-A

High-A

Single-A

Rookie

Off-season leagues

Showcase league

Partner leagues

Major League affiliations

Map

!Bisons

Bisons

!Knights

Knights

!Clippers

Clippers

!Bulls

Bulls

!Stripers

Stripers

!Indians

Indians

!Cubs

Cubs

!Jumbo Shrimp

Jumbo Shrimp

!IronPigs

IronPigs

!Bats

Bats

!Redbirds

Redbirds

!Sounds

Sounds

!Tides

Tides

!Storm Chasers

Storm Chasers

!Red Wings

Red Wings

!RailRiders

RailRiders

!Saints

Saints

!Mets

Mets

!Mud Hens

Mud Hens

!Red Sox

Red Sox

!Isotopes

Isotopes

!Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas

!Aviators

Aviators

!Comets

Comets

!Aces

Aces

!Express

Express

!River Cats

River Cats

!Bees

Bees

!Space Cowboys

Space Cowboys

!Rainiers

Rainiers

!Sod Poodles

Sod Poodles

!Travelers

Travelers

!Hooks

Hooks

!RoughRiders

RoughRiders

!RockHounds

RockHounds

!Naturals

Naturals

!Missions

Missions

!Cardinals

Cardinals

!Drillers

Drillers

!Wind Surge

Wind Surge

!RubberDucks

RubberDucks

!Curve

Curve

!Rumble Ponies

Rumble Ponies

!Baysox

Baysox

!SeaWolves

SeaWolves

!Senators

Senators

!Yard Goats

Yard Goats

!Fisher Cats

Fisher Cats

!Sea Dogs

Sea Dogs

!Fightin Phils

Fightin Phils

!Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels

!Patriots

Patriots

!Shuckers

Shuckers

!Barons

Barons

!Lookouts

Lookouts

!Clingstones

Clingstones

!Biscuits

Biscuits

!Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos

!Trash Pandas

Trash Pandas

!Smokies

Smokies

!Sky Carp

Sky Carp

!Kernels

Kernels

!Dragons

Dragons

!TinCaps

TinCaps

!Loons

Loons

!Captains

Captains

!Lugnuts

Lugnuts

!Chiefs

Chiefs

!River Bandits

River Bandits

!Cubs

Cubs

!Whitecaps

Whitecaps

!Timber Rattlers

Timber Rattlers

!Tourists

Tourists

!Hot Rods

Hot Rods

!Cyclones

Cyclones

!Keys

Keys

!Grass-hoppers

Grass-
hoppers

!Drive

Drive

!Spartanburgers

Spartanburgers

!Renegades

Renegades

!BlueClaws

BlueClaws

!Emperors

Emperors

!Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks

!Dash

Dash

!Emeralds

Emeralds

!AquaSox

AquaSox

!Hops

Hops

!Indians

Indians

!Dust Devils

Dust Devils

!Canadians

Canadians

!GreenJackets

GreenJackets

!RiverDogs

RiverDogs

!Fireflies

Fireflies

!Shorebirds

Shorebirds

!Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers

!Nationals

Nationals

!Crawdads

Crawdads

!Cannon Ballers

Cannon Ballers

!Howlers

Howlers

!Pelicans

Pelicans

!RidgeYaks

RidgeYaks

!Warbirds

Warbirds

!Marauders

Marauders

!Threshers

Threshers

!Tortugas

Tortugas

!Blue Jays

Blue Jays

!Mighty Mussels

Mighty Mussels

!Hammerheads

Hammerheads

!Flying Tigers

Flying Tigers

!Cardinals

Cardinals

!Mets

Mets

!Tarpons

Tarpons

!Grizzlies

Grizzlies

!66ers

66ers

!Storm

Storm

!Tower Buzzers

Tower Buzzers

!Quakes

Quakes

!Giants

Giants

!Ports

Ports

!Rawhide

Rawhide

Current team locations:

  • International League
  • Pacific Coast League
  • Eastern League
  • Southern League
  • Texas League
  • Midwest League
  • Northwest League
  • South Atlantic League
  • California League
  • Carolina League
  • Florida State League

Team rosters

Classification hierarchy

The following classifications, listed from highest to lowest, have existed since the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (the formal name of Minor League Baseball) was established prior to the 1902 season. Only seasons where a change was made to the hierarchy are listed; class introductions after 1902 appear in bold font, while class eliminations appear in italics. Not all defined classifications were used each season.

Notes:

  • High-A was formerly Class A-Advanced (A-Adv) before 2021
  • Class A was officially known as Low-A during the 2021 season
  • A (Short) denotes Class A Short Season
  • Rk-Adv denotes Rookie Advanced
  • Rk denotes Rookie
Affiliations of Minor League teams with Major League teams
LeagueDivisionMLB TeamTriple-ADouble-AHigh-ASingle-A
American LeagueEastBaltimore OriolesNorfolk TidesILChesapeake BaysoxELFrederick KeysSALDelmarva ShorebirdsCAR
Boston Red SoxWorcester Red SoxILPortland Sea DogsELGreenville DriveSALSalem RidgeYaksCAR
New York YankeesScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRidersILSomerset PatriotsELHudson Valley RenegadesSALTampa TarponsFSL
Tampa Bay RaysDurham BullsILMontgomery BiscuitsSLBowling Green Hot RodsSALCharleston RiverDogsCAR
Toronto Blue JaysBuffalo BisonsILNew Hampshire Fisher CatsELVancouver CanadiansNWLDunedin Blue JaysFSL
CentralChicago White SoxCharlotte KnightsILBirmingham BaronsSLWinston-Salem DashSALKannapolis Cannon BallersCAR
Cleveland GuardiansColumbus ClippersILAkron RubberDucksELLake County CaptainsMWLHill City HowlersCAR
Detroit TigersToledo Mud HensILErie SeaWolvesELWest Michigan WhitecapsMWLLakeland Flying TigersFSL
Kansas City RoyalsOmaha Storm ChasersILNorthwest Arkansas NaturalsTLQuad Cities River BanditsMWLColumbia FirefliesCAR
Minnesota TwinsSt. Paul SaintsILWichita Wind SurgeTLCedar Rapids KernelsMWLFort Myers Mighty MusselsFSL
WestHouston AstrosSugar Land Space CowboysPCLCorpus Christi HooksTLAsheville TouristsSALFayetteville WoodpeckersCAR
Los Angeles AngelsSalt Lake BeesPCLRocket City Trash PandasSLTri-City Dust DevilsNWLRancho Cucamonga QuakesCAL
AthleticsLas Vegas AviatorsPCLMidland RockHoundsTLLansing LugnutsMWLStockton PortsCAL
Seattle MarinersTacoma RainiersPCLArkansas TravelersTLEverett AquaSoxNWLInland Empire 66ersCAL
Texas RangersRound Rock ExpressPCLFrisco RoughRidersTLHub City SpartanburgersSALHickory CrawdadsCAR
National LeagueEastAtlanta BravesGwinnett StripersILColumbus ClingstonesSLRome EmperorsSALAugusta GreenJacketsCAR
Miami MarlinsJacksonville Jumbo ShrimpILPensacola Blue WahoosSLBeloit Sky CarpMWLJupiter HammerheadsFSL
New York MetsSyracuse MetsILBinghamton Rumble PoniesELBrooklyn CyclonesSALSt. Lucie MetsFSL
Philadelphia PhilliesLehigh Valley IronPigsILReading Fightin PhilsELJersey Shore BlueClawsSALClearwater ThreshersFSL
Washington NationalsRochester Red WingsILHarrisburg SenatorsELWilmington Blue RocksSALFredericksburg NationalsCAR
CentralChicago CubsIowa CubsILKnoxville SmokiesSLSouth Bend CubsMWLMyrtle Beach PelicansCAR
Cincinnati RedsLouisville BatsILChattanooga LookoutsSLDayton DragonsMWLDaytona TortugasFSL
Milwaukee BrewersNashville SoundsILBiloxi ShuckersSLWisconsin Timber RattlersMWLWilson WarbirdsCAR
Pittsburgh PiratesIndianapolis IndiansILAltoona CurveELGreensboro GrasshoppersSALBradenton MaraudersFSL
St. Louis CardinalsMemphis RedbirdsILSpringfield CardinalsTLPeoria ChiefsMWLPalm Beach CardinalsFSL
WestArizona DiamondbacksReno AcesPCLAmarillo Sod PoodlesTLHillsboro HopsNWLVisalia RawhideCAL
Colorado RockiesAlbuquerque IsotopesPCLHartford Yard GoatsELSpokane IndiansNWLFresno GrizzliesCAL
Los Angeles DodgersOklahoma City CometsPCLTulsa DrillersTLGreat Lakes LoonsMWLOntario Tower BuzzersCAL
San Diego PadresEl Paso ChihuahuasPCLSan Antonio MissionsTLFort Wayne TinCapsMWLLake Elsinore StormCAL
San Francisco GiantsSacramento River CatsPCLRichmond Flying SquirrelsELEugene EmeraldsNWLSan Jose GiantsCAL
190219121936193719461952195819631965199019912021
A
B
C
D
AA
A
B
C
D
AA
A1
A
B
C
D
AA
A1
A
B
C
D
E
AAA
AA
A
B
C
D
Open
AAA
AA
A
B
C
D
AAA
AA
A
B
C
D
AAA
AA
A
Rk
AAA
AA
A
A (Short)
Rk
AAA
AA
A-Adv
A
A (Short)
Rk
AAA
AA
A-Adv
A
A (Short)
Rk-Adv
Rk
AAA
AA
High-A
A
Rk
    
A1
E
 
Open
B
C
D
   
A (Short)
Rk-Adv

Players

Major league teams can only use players who are on their main team roster for games. These players are chosen from a list of 40 players, called the 40-man roster. Since the 2020 season, each team has 26 players on their active roster for regular games, and 27 for doubleheaders. From September 1 to the end of the season, teams can have up to 28 players on their roster.

Players of the Double-A Springfield Cardinals in July 2017

Players not on the active roster are either hurt or playing in the minor leagues, usually at the Triple-A or Double-A level. Before 2022, only minor league players on the 40-man roster could join the players' union. In 2022, more minor league players joined the union.

A team's director of player development decides where each player will play, working with coaches and managers. After spring training, players are assigned to minor league teams. New players usually start playing in June after signing contracts. Players can move up or down between teams during the season based on how they are doing, or they might be released. Some released players join independent baseball teams and get another chance to impress major league scouts.

C C Sabathia of the New York Yankees with the Trenton Thunder in July 2014

Salaries and compensation

Minor league players are professional athletes, but they earn less than major league players. The main team pays for players' salaries and benefits, while the minor league team pays for travel and other costs. Players with major league experience or on the 40-man roster earn more, while others earn less as they develop their skills. Many players get signing bonuses, especially early-round draft picks. Before 2022, most minor league players earned less than $10,000 per season, but after unionization, their salaries and benefits improved.

Rehabilitation assignments

Injured major league players often go to minor league teams to practice and get back in shape. They usually stay for one or two weeks, depending on their injury. These players still get their major league pay and better facilities than minor league players. For example, Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins played for a minor league team in 2011 while recovering from knee surgery, and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels did the same in 2017.

Player compensation (in $USD) in Minor League Baseball, as of 2024
LevelMinimum annual salaryMinimum annual salary
if on 40-man roster
Minimum annual salary
with MLB experience
Triple-A$35,800$60,300$120,600
Double-A$30,250
High-A$27,300
Single-A$26,200
US-based Rookie$19,800
Arizona Fall League$6,000
Foreign-based Rookie$3,000

Umpires

Umpires in minor league baseball are trained and evaluated by Minor League Baseball Umpire Development (MiLBUD). They are checked eight times each season and can move up in rank based on how well they do. Every year in March, MiLBUD holds a course for new umpires, usually taking the best students from special training schools.

Ryan Blakney (left) and Ben May umpiring in the Midwest League in 2008

To become an umpire, you must go to one of two training schools in Florida: the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School or the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy. These schools teach students for five weeks, and only a few move on to further training. The umpire development program began in 1964 to find better-trained umpires.

Umpires must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D., be athletic, have good vision, and strong communication skills. They also need to have trained at one of the two professional schools.

Main article: 2006 Minor League Baseball umpire strike

Ownership

The 2011 Omaha Storm Chasers, the Pacific Coast League champions

Minor League Baseball teams are usually owned by different people or groups, but they work closely with one Major League Baseball team. These teams have special agreements that say how they will work together. Some Minor League teams are even owned by the same company that owns their Major League team.

As of December 2025, a company called Diamond Baseball Holdings owns 48 of the 120 Minor League teams. Major League Baseball has rules to make sure no one company can own too many teams. The agreements between Major and Minor League teams used to last only two or four years, but now they last for ten years. Some teams have worked together for a very long time. For example, the Omaha Storm Chasers have been connected to the Kansas City Royals since 1969.

Presidents

MiLB was managed by a central office until 2021, when MLB took over all important decisions. The minor league office was in St. Petersburg, Florida starting in 1973. Before MLB took control, 11 people served as president of MiLB.

Independent baseball

Main article: Independent baseball league

Independent baseball leagues are professional teams in the United States and Canada that are not part of Minor League Baseball or managed by the Commissioner of Baseball. These leagues existed in the early 1900s and became more common again after 1993.

Before 1902, these leagues worked mostly on their own. After that, many joined a larger group, but a few stayed independent. Some stayed independent only for a short time, like the California League and the United States Baseball League. Others, like the Federal League, played at a level close to the top major leagues for a couple of years.

Between 1915 and 1993, there were only a few independent leagues. Examples include the Carolina League and the Provincial League in Quebec. After 1992, many new independent leagues started because of new rules in organized baseball. Today, there are seven active independent leagues, and four of them work with Major League Baseball teams.

Awards

For additional awards, see Baseball awards § U.S. minor leagues.

MiLBY Awards

The MiLBY Awards are given in nine categories. In five categories (Best Starter, Best Hitter, Best Reliever, Best Game, and Best Team), winners are chosen at each level of Minor League Baseball above Rookie league. In three categories (Play of the Year, Moment of the Year, and Homer of the Year), one overall winner is picked for all of Minor League Baseball. In the Promo of the Year category, there are overall winners in five subcategories: Best Promotion, Best Theme Night, Best Giveaway, Best Celebrity Appearance, and Best Miscellaneous Promotion.

Other player awards

Major awards

  • Organization of the Year Award (formerly the John H. Johnson President's Award) (1974) – given each year, MiLB's top award recognizes "the complete baseball franchise—based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community, and promotion of the baseball industry."
  • Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year (1976) – given each year to a woman in MiLB for exceptional contributions to her club, her league, or baseball.
  • Warren Giles Award (1984) – given each year to a league president for outstanding service.
  • King of Baseball (1951) – given annually in recognition of longtime dedication and service to professional baseball.
  • Larry MacPhail Award (1966–2019) – given annually in recognition of team promotions.
  • Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award (2008) – given to a person with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.
  • Mike Coolbaugh Award (2008) – given to someone who has shown an outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game, and skill in mentoring young players on the field.
  • John H. Moss Community Service Award (2013) – given to a team to recognize outstanding charitable service, support, and leadership.
  • Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award (2016) – given to an individual or team to recognize outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans.

Top 100 teams

During its centennial celebration in 2001, MiLB compiled a list of the 100 best minor-league baseball teams of the century.

Broadcasting

Radio

Most minor-league baseball teams have their own local radio stations that broadcast their games. Unlike major-league teams, these usually only include one or two stations.

Television

You can watch minor-league games on Stadium and the MLB Network. Many teams also have deals with local TV channels. For example, the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians showed 35 home games on WISH-TV in 2021.

Streaming media

MiLB.TV is the online service for watching minor-league games, similar to MLB.tv. Starting in 2021, it offered games from all Triple-A and Double-A teams, plus some games from other levels. All games are also free on the Bally Live App.

TuneIn offers free audio streams of minor-league games through the MiLB.TV website.

Attendances

Here are the top 50 Minor League Baseball teams by average home attendance in 2025:

Source:

#TeamTotalAverage
1Lehigh Valley IronPigs585,1677,908
2Dayton Dragons490,4687,664
3Indianapolis Indians570,6777,660
4Columbus Clippers513,0857,077
5Nashville Sounds500,0026,757
6Albuquerque Isotopes493,8496,629
7Richmond Flying Squirrels446,6796,617
8Las Vegas Aviators491,8896,559
9Durham Bulls485,0216,510
10El Paso Chihuahuas472,1256,337
11Worcester Red Sox455,4676,114
12Toledo Mud Hens452,0496,027
13Rochester Red Wings431,2655,868
14Reading Fightin Phils396,4555,830
15Buffalo Bisons425,5175,829
16Tacoma Rainiers430,8135,744
17West Michigan Whitecaps373,0255,695
18Hartford Yard Goats389,4965,686
19St. Paul Saints420,4285,681
20Charlotte Knights425,4615,673
21Frisco RoughRiders383,5155,640
22Iowa Cubs409,7065,499
23Portland Sea Dogs366,4425,429
24Salt Lake Bees395,5345,309
25Oklahoma City Comets395,0265,267
26Somerset Patriots348,7585,054
27Norfolk Tides370,5375,041
28Fort Wayne TinCaps327,5425,001
29Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp359,6794,796
30Round Rock Express354,8674,732
31Reno Aces352,3754,698
32Tulsa Drillers322,4524,673
33South Bend Cubs305,3114,661
34Amarillo Sod Poodles319,6464,633
35Greenville Drive305,2674,625
36Syracuse Mets342,9774,573
37Louisville Bats328,4414,379
38Tennessee Smokies295,4604,345
39Altoona Curve293,4874,284
40Vancouver Canadians277,9904,212
41Lansing Lugnuts275,7134,177
42Corpus Christi Hooks278,6534,068
43Charleston RiverDogs264,2274,065
44Sacramento River Cats302,9734,040
45Winston-Salem Dash262,0744,032
46Wichita Wind Surge277,7224,025
47Rocket City Trash Pandas275,4234,021
48Akron RubberDucks274,6864,010
49Spokane Indians264,4164,006
50San Antonio Missions269,3833,933

Images

Portrait of Jigger Statz, a professional baseball player from the 1922 Chicago Cubs season.
Jake Thompson pitching for the GCL Tigers during a baseball game against the GCL Blue Jays in 2012.
Cheerful mascots entertaining fans at a Pawtucket Red Sox baseball game in 2016.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Minor League Baseball, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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