![Five major shakeups that could be coming to the minor leagues in 2021](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6245/512421/5f5379abe0f12/Five-major-shakeups-that-could-be-coming-to-the-minor-leagues-in-2021.jpg)
MLB made clear it did not want to maintain the century-old status quo that allowed individual minor leagues to define their own geographical footprints or dictate terms of affiliation agreements with major league organizations. MLB wanted minor leagues affiliations that were more permanent, that made greater geographical sense, that were more cost-efficient and that had higher facility standards.
And MLB wanted fewer minor league affiliates overall. Its plan called for 120 of them—four apiece for each of the 30 organizations—rather than the 160 ticket-selling minor league affiliates that operated in 2019. To achieve that goal, MLB intended to eliminate the entire Rookie-advanced and short-season classifications.
Against the backdrop of a Professional Baseball Agreement set to expire on Sept. 30, MLB and Minor League Baseball began negotiating a new working agreement.
Then the coronavirus hit. PBA negotiations went on the back burner in mid-March, when MLB halted spring training, and remained there for three months as MLB began an often contentious negotiation with the players’ union about a plan to return to play. The two sides reached an agreement in June and a 60-game major league season began on July 27.
That resumption of play allowed MLB to resume PBA negotiations with Minor League Baseball—and for information to trickle out about what a reorganized minor leagues could look like in 2021. Five of the more dramatic possibilities for a new-look minor leagues are presented here, though it’s important to note that none of these scenarios is guaranteed to come to pass.
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/0Im5_7R-N1716983186325/HOW-THE-MAJORS-HAVE-CHANGED-FOR-YOUNG-PLAYERS.jpg)
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/jD4Tp2H2n1716980923576/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
![BLAST FROM THE PAST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/2_0wqYiq71716978663925/BLAST-FROM-THE-PAST.jpg)
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
![UNFINISHED BUSINESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/uKJoNEDEi1716980728602/UNFINISHED-BUSINESS.jpg)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
![MORE HARM THAN GOOD?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/yfRq22Krc1716980624708/MORE-HARM-THAN-GOOD.jpg)
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
![GEM COLLECTOR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/_hVjkXXmQ1716980363975/GEM-COLLECTOR.jpg)
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
![LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/ylCXqqS111716979989550/LIFE-AFTER-AFFILIATED-BALL.jpg)
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
![EARNING POWER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/gOKVU6inr1716978952320/EARNING-POWER.jpg)
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
![NOBODY'S PERFECT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/iQO9HKEHG1711457625484/NOBODYS-PERFECT.jpg)
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/x0Uu3Rq9E1711456602784/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.