Triple-A Season Pushed Back: Alt Site Notes, Roster Construction, Coverage Plans
The Triple-A season has been pushed back in line with the rest of the minor leagues to create another alternate site situation to begin the 2021 season.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the decision a few days ago, one that had been expected within the industry despite MLB’s previous schedule announcement of April for Triple-A affiliates.
Triple-A Gwinnett is now tentatively scheduled to start May 4 at Charlotte. The home opener is scheduled for May 11 against Louisville.
“Tentatively” is being used because the possibility remains of an extended alternate site beyond April. That decision may depend on the state of COVID-19 and vaccine distribution by then, but officials may decide to extend it regardless.
The move to push back a regular season and create another alternate site is motivated by precaution for the major league level. Triple-A teams, and certainly individual players, typically fly commercial. Rather than risk a Triple-A player exposing the major league team after getting called up, having that player in an alternate site bubble reduces the risk of exposure, spread and schedule messes before the guarantee of vaccination for all involved. The plan will be similar to last year in that a handful of players will travel with the major league team when on the road to avoid last-second flying.
One very notable change to the makeup of the alternate site this year is roster construction. Don’t be surprised if the alternate site roster is made up of what would be considered the Triple-A roster. The roster number is expected to be 28, an increase from last year’s number to reflect more of a Triple-A team. It’s even been said that orgs are allowed to discuss scheduling between alternate sites, so Triple-A teams that are within easy driving distance may be allowed to play each other.
Also, the players will be paid in April at the alternate site as if it’s the regular season.
Younger prospects who may not be invited to the alternate site will train at the spring training facility once everyone has left to begin the major league season. Unfortunately, there will probably be a month of very little to no information on prospects at the alternate site or spring training 2.0. On the bright side, things are currently on track for an early May start to the minor league season.
In related news to roster construction, there is expected to be an increased number of players per minor league roster. In addition to 28 at Triple-A, the number is expected to be the same at Double-A, 30 at High-A and 30 at Low-A. The aim is to decrease player travel between levels. At least early in the season, I would expect less player movement, such as a depth catcher shuttling between affiliates because of injuries.
Because of the Triple-A delay, my content schedule remains flexible. There may be some weeks when I post three times, others when it’s two posts. I’m currently planning to begin my prospect preview material April 5, but I will be posting several Braves prospect spring notes until then, including detailed notes on Bryse Wilson and Huascar Ynoa that are in the works.
Every new post will continue to remain free for the time being. I will provide updates on this in the future.