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Minor league baseball players overwhelmingly ratify first labor agreement with MLB

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced it had overwhelmingly approved the first-ever collective bargaining agreement for minor league players. The historic deal will begin this season and run through the 2027-28 campaign.

Minor league players will receive new benefits that include significant pay increases, improved transportation policies and improved medical rights. Players also will have access to a new 401(k) retirement plan, extended health coverage and name, image and likeness rights.

"The agreement represents a giant step forward in treating Minor League players as the elite professional athletes that they are," MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "It’s a historic day for the players, their families and the entire player fraternity."

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Around 99% of the players who cast a ballot voted to ratify the deal. The next step includes formal ratification by Major League Baseball owners.

Minor league baseball has seen widespread changes in recent years with 43 franchises cut and the amateur MLB draft shortened to 20 rounds. The new deal will allow for players to receive much-needed security as a professional athlete.

Here is a look at the pay raise for each level:

  • Complex leagues: $19,800, up from $4,800

  • Low-A: $26,200 from $11,000

  • High-A: $27,300 from $11,000

  • Double-A: $30,250 from $13,800

  • Triple-A: $35,800 from $17,500

In addition to the new collective bargaining agreement, MLB and the minor leaguers agreed to a $185 million settlement that stemmed from a lawsuit against MLB for violating federal minimum wage laws. The settlement was approved by a federal judge in San Francisco.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minor league baseball players ratify first labor agreement with MLB