‘MLB The Show’: Inclusion of MiLB players is first step to greater salary

For the first time ever, real MiLB players will be portrayed in ‘MLB The Show’. So that means they can eventually get paid more? Right?

For die-hard players of ‘MLB The Show’, this is just another huge step for what has been the only significant MLB franchised video game of the past near-decade.

For years, you traveled up the minor league ranks in a game mode called “Road to the Show” only to not recognize any of the players because only those who had major league service time were in the game.

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Now ‘MLB The Show’ has expanded to include some of the game’s most recognizable future big-leaguers. Sounds like an awesome feature right?

Of course! It allows more coverage of the minor leagues and gives players greater representation despite not being at the major league level.

All of that is fine and dandy but there needs to be something in it for those MiLB players.

Don’t get me wrong, plenty of them are excited about it:

The big reason behind a player’s presence in video games or any sort of marketing or brand is because they agree to it. Barry Bonds famously refused to be characterized in video games because he held by the stance he could make more money from the companies if they worked with him directly as opposed to through the union.

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So what about the MiLB players? How much will they get paid for their likenesses? How much should they get paid?

Given the fight the MLB and MiLB are in right now regarding the standing of 42 organizations across the country, this is an interesting addition in this moment in time. Mainly because one of the larger talking points regarding this contraction involves the pay of the players.

If anything, this should be considered a step in the right direction to better wages in the MiLB, or worst case scenario a greater investment into what’s provided for them.

It is an ongoing debate about how MiLB players are poorly treated on their road to the big leagues. Even just a few days ago, Ty Kelly gave an inside look (if you will) on to what a lunch at spring training is for a minor leaguer. This was in response to renovations to the Mets’ spring training clubhouse:

It’s easy to understand that anyone could have made a lunch that simple. It is damning that there isn’t greater support from the major-league levels regarding something as simple as the meals. These players are your future! They deserve better.

So what needs to come from this? First and foremost compensation.

If the major leaguers get a slice of the pie for having their likeness in ‘MLB The Show’ so should the guys in the MiLB. Plain and simple. That extra pay could lead to better living situations, better health because they can get decent meals and sleep, and they won’t have to spend the offseason working a minimum wage job just to stay afloat.

The best we can hope for is that this is just the first step in an improved situation for players. Hopefully, it will even create a bargaining chip to keep the 42 franchises as opposed to just eliminating them.