After months of speculation, Major League Baseball informed Minor League Baseball on Tuesday that they wouldn’t be providing players for the 2020 season, meaning minor league affiliates across the country and Orioles affiliates locally won’t hold their seasons as planned.
“While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 2021 season of affordable family entertainment,” Minor League Baseball president Pat O’Conner said in a statement.
For the Orioles, there’s both a baseball impact and a business impact as Double-A Bowie, High-A Frederick, Low-A Delmarva, and Short-A Aberdeen are all located in Maryland, with Triple-A Norfolk the only club outside the state.