Why do teams/players sign minor league contracts, yet they play in the major leagues.?

Question

For example, Ronnie Belliard signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals and I don't think he has spent one day with the Nationals in the minor leagues. He has been playing major league ball. Same for Roger Clemens...he signed a minor league contract with the Yankees but yet he will be playing for the Yankees mlb team. Can someone please explain?? Thanks!

Answer 1

They sign these "minor league" contracts because they are low risk. Many times, they will include an "invitation to spring training". By signing a player in this manner, they dont have to clear a roster spot for them (thereby taking a chance at losing a decent prospect) and should the player not make the cut, he can be sent to the minors without any waiver trouble (though, some veterans choose not to report).

This is typically used on fringe major leaguers , veterans in the "downside" of their career or by franchises looking to audition a variety of players at a particular position (example, 5 players on minor league deals give them more flexibility to try each at a position, rather than 2 or 3 on a major league roster). If a player on this deal is called up to the big leagues, they make the roster move when the call up is made, so they dont make a mistake in signing a player who cant play at the level they want.

In Clemens case, the Yankees wanted time for him to get in shape, and this provides it as they dont need to add him to the roster until they want him to join the team. In Belliards case, they wanted to audition a variety of players to replace Vidro.

Answer 2

They don't really sign a minor-league contract, they sign a split contract - i.e., one that says "Clemens will earn $5 in the minor leagues and $28 million when he is added to the major league roster." In Clemens's case, it's because of roster space - if he's on a minor league contract, then the Yankees don't have to use up a roster space on him until he's ready to pitch in a month or so.

In Belliard's case, he was signed before Spring Training to such a contract because (1) nobody else offered him a major league deal, and (2) there was uncertainty about whether he would make the team. Most MLB teams will sign several veterans to minor league contracts at that time, usually with the understanding that the player can declare free agency at the end of Spring Training if they don't make the team and another team is interested.

Answer 3

Anyone can be signed to a minor league contract and then be called up at any time to the major league club. In addition, some players (such as Belliard) will be signed to minor contacts and then prove to the organization that they belong in the major leagues. And some, such as Clemens, sigh minor league contracts to give them the chance to prove that they can still play.

It's a safeguard all around for the organization.

Answer 4

i think of human beings ought to attend the two - if a threat. I stay close to the stadium the place the Cardinals and Marlins have spring practise and that they actually %. them in for 4 weeks each and every spring. in the time of the the remainder of summer season we've the Florida State League with the classification A Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm sea coast Cardinals - regrettably, they don't get lots of a turnout which makes me unhappy for the gamers. They paintings no longer elementary obtainable interior the warm Florida solar and deserve some cheering followers. The value tag value is plenty decrease and you nonetheless get to be certain great baseball and great up and coming gamers.

Answer 5

It all has to do with roster space. If a guy is signed to a major league deal he has to remain on the 40 man roster at all times unless he gets injured. With a minor league deal this isn't the case. The main reason to do this is to create more flexibility for the team.