The Chicago Cubs and the minor leagues won’t be affected

The Chicago Cubs won’t be affected by MiLB’s plan to cut 25% of minor-league affiliates–if at all.

The Chicago Cubs appear to positioned nicely as they haven’t had any of the affiliates mentioned.  But news came up that MLB and MiLB that was ‘false,’ and they weren’t accurate. According to a statement from Evan Drellich and Minor League Baseball, MiLB and MLB were working in ‘good faith negotiations.’

MiLB and MLB have had ‘no agreements on contraction or any other issues.’ MLB looks to establish a good rapport with MiLB in the United States and Canada. The Cubs, who have six affiliates, would be unaffected by this. 

"“I’d be actually shocked if any of our teams did appear on that initial list just because they’re so good,”  Matt Dorey added."

I would, too. The Cubs have had a long history with Triple-A Iowa. Tennessee Smokies have been great (2011 minor-league team of the year). And the South Bend Cubs, the 2015 minor league teak of the year, and Ballpark Digest’s top ballpark in its class in 2017 have been top-notch.

South Bend looks to move up in classification for its facilities, too. The SB Cubs have been part of the organization since 2014.

"“I don’t see any changes for the South Bend Cubs,” said team owner Andrew Berlin, who also owns a stake in the big-league Cubs. “We have a great relationship with the Chicago Cubs, and I see our future as being very bright.”"

The current Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) expires at the end of this year–leaving teams to be cut out of it. My opinion is there are too many teams–Cubs included. Eugene, South Bend, Myrtle Beach, Iowa, and so forth? Too. Many. We need Rookie ball, Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A– that’s it.

And that’s what essentially will have. Triple-A, Double-A, High A and Low A–with Rookie ball to be slated at spring training. With MLB and MiLB working diligently, there’s seems to be no conclusion as to what will happen.

By cutting back to 120 teams, MLB hopes it helps with minor league facilities–plus travel time throughout the season. By spacing out the geographic location, the MLB hopes to have the right mix of teams.

With the coronavirus pandemic taking its toll, there will be a question of will there be MiLB at all–or MLB. So many questions, not a lot of answers.