MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred sparks outrage over minor league wage comments

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred defended the league’s treatment of minor league players on Tuesday when questioned by reporters about their wages, saying he rejects the notation that they are not earning "a living wage." 

While speaking to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America before the All-Star Game, Manfred was defiant when questioned on if team owners choose not to pay minor leaguers more or can’t afford to.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during a news conference on March 1, 2022, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

"​​I kind of reject the premise of the question that minor league players are not paid a living wage," he responded. "We've made real strides in the last few years in terms of what minor league players are paid, even putting to one side the signing bonuses that many of them have already received. They receive housing, which obviously is another form of compensation. I just reject the premise of the question. I don't know what else to say about that." 

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In 2001, MLB raised salaries for minor leaguers – bumping Class A pay from $290 to $500 per week, Double-A from $350 to $600, and Triple-A from $502 to $700 over the roughly five-month season. Players are only paid during the five-month season.

But a sports agent with knowledge of the situation told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that Manfred’s comments were "laughable" when considering those on the very low end of the wage gap within the minors. 

Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. watches the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.