The 2020 minor league baseball season has officially been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Local MiLB teams include the Burlington Bees, Quad Cities River Bandits, Peoria Chiefs and Clinton Lumberkings. All four clubs play in the Midwest Baseball League. Some minor leaguers have been added to the 60-man player pools for MLB teams, but major league teams deciding not to provide any players to their affiliated teams sealed the minor leagues’ fate.
MiLB President Pat O’Conner explained this will be the first summer without minor league action since it was founded in 1901. He called it a sad day but noted clubs can start focusing on 2021 without having the uncertainty surrounding this season.
However, teams who’s future is uncertain with the compacting of minor league baseball that is expected for next summer are surely still feeling apprehensive.
