Manfred Says MLB Looking To Streamline International Talent Procurement

Rob Manfred (Getty Images)

MIAMI—Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday that Major League Baseball is seeking to streamline its current international posting systems into a single set of entry rules for foreign professional players.

Currently the rules governing professional players from Cuba, Japan, and Korea all differ in how they can arrive in MLB and the compensation paid to their clubs.

“I think there is tremendous value in consistent systems,” Manfred said. “What we would like to do with the posting systems, not just Japan but Korea and Cuba, is get to a consistent approach in respect to movement of foreign professional players to Major League Baseball.”

Currently Japanese and Korean teams are compensated through the posting system for the loss of players to MLB, but Cuban teams are not. Manfred noted part of the streamlined system he is seeking would ensure foreign teams are not raided by MLB clubs.

“We would like a consistent approach to give recognition that we want to promote professional play in other countries—read that to mean we’re not going to take too many players,” Manfred said. “Clubs in other countries that give up players where they have reserve rights should be fairly compensated for giving up those reserve rights. And then players, particularly stars who want to play Major League Baseball, should have meaningful opportunities at a realistic point in their career in the United States.

“So, consistent with those principles, I’d like to get all the posting systems lined up. Currently they are not, so I think you can expect that we will be looking for changes.”

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark confirmed discussions have been ongoing with MLB in regards to creating a single entry system for foreign professionals.

“Having continuity across each of the international communities, such that players have a format that is similar, that is something we have talked about for some time,” Clark said. “We’re looking for some continuity there as to how players enter, yes.”

TAMPA, OAKLAND PRIORITIZED BEFORE EXPANSION

Manfred reaffirmed that resolving the stadium situations in Tampa Bay and Oakland take precedence over MLB expanding to other cities. Regarding Tampa, Manfred stated, “I continue to believe Tampa is a viable major league market. It may be better than the alternatives we have out there.”

Manfred added that MLB is waiting for Athletics ownership to deliver an update by the end of the year on possible stadium solutions, acknowledging the Raiders moving to Las Vegas changed the dynamic of the discussion.

Previously on Monday, Manfred highlighted Montreal, Charlotte, N.C, and Mexico City as cities that were possibilities for expansion.

NO MOVEMENT ON MINOR LEAGUE WAGES

Clark addressed minor league salaries in his press conference but for the second straight year noted the MLBPA is limited because it only represents players on 40-man rosters.

“To the challenges that exist, we understand them wholeheartedly,” Clark said. “I will tell you we’ve done what we can where we can. Obviously we represent 40-man rosters and the 1,200 guys on those 40-man rosters. But we are watching and staying connected to everything that happens in professional baseball . . . We are aware of it and we are as supportive as we can be against what our responsibilities are.”

MARINERS IN CONTACT OVER WBC-INJURY TIES

Manfred said Mariners ownership has been in contact over concerns participation in the World Baseball Classic caused many of their pitchers to become injured.

Drew Smyly made one start for Team USA in the WBC but did not pitch for the Mariners after going down with a flexor strain in spring training and ultimately had Tommy John surgery in June. Additionally, Felix Hernandez (Venezuela) missed two months of the season with shoulder bursitis.

“We have examined injury histories over a number of WBC events and the fact of the matter is players get hurt no more frequently and no more seriously in WBC years than when they stay home in camp with their clubs,” Manfred said. “I have talked extensively with Mariners ownership about their particular situation.
It’s unfortunate, but I think it really is a mistake to assume that whatever injury problems they have would not have occurred even if the players did not play in the WBC. The data doesn’t support it.”

According to the Seattle Times, an MLB study from the two most recent tournaments showed that the percentage of pitchers starting the year on the disabled list was actually higher among those who didn’t participate in the WBC (75 of 601 in 2017, 12.5 percent) than those who did (three of 55, 5.5 percent).