Houston Astros find great way to support their minor leaguers

There has been a lot written about the insufficient pay given to minor league players. A spotlight shined on the issue during the pandemic when teams attempted to avoid paying those players, eventually being shamed into paying their salaries. Players are expected to find housing, nutritious food, and be able to go about their day to day with a minimal amount.

The Houston Astros are helping with at least one of those areas. They are providing furnished apartments to each of their minor leaguers, regardless of level, this season.

Houston Astros stepping up for minor leaguers

While pay for minor league players remains a hot button topic, the Astros are making sure that whatever money their players have goes further. By providing housing, and furniture, for their players, they are taking care of one of the largest costs they would have to deal with.

This decision is founded in practicality. As the pandemic continues, minor leaguers are not able to stay with host families this season. That limits some of the options the players would have, especially in terms of being able to find somewhere that they can afford.

Providing these apartments can also pay off in the long term. Not only can the Astros’ minor leaguers spend more time focusing on their craft, but players on other teams have taken notice. Should the Astros continue this policy, they may be able to attract other minor league free agents since it is known that they will take care of their players.

As is the case with any investment in the farm system, the results may not be felt immediately. It takes time for the expenditure of time and money to pay off, if it ever does. But this investment will have long reaching ramifications, as players will remember how the Astros took care of their minor leaguers.

The Houston Astros have stepped up for their minor league players. Other players around the game will remember that in free agency.