Yanks cut 45 minor leaguers

The Yankees released 45 minor leaguers on Monday, a source confirmed.

They joined a growing list of teams that have made the move during the coronavirus shutdown, although the small-market Royals and Twins are among the organizations that have not done so.

The Yankees are expected to continue to pay their remaining minor leaguers the standard $400 per week, which is subject to change.

Teams typically would have had at least one more round of cuts during spring training, but most teams delayed the moves following the shutdown of the sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.

An industry source said the number of players the Yankees let go Monday was striking only because it came all at once and they’d normally shed about that amount by this time of the year.

Around the majors, teams like the Diamondbacks reportedly let go of 62 players — the highest known number — while the Mets cut 39 last week.

And with MLB and the players association still negotiating to find a deal that would result in at least an abbreviated season, there’s almost no chance of a minor league season being played — which has resulted in organizations looking to make significant payroll reductions and could lead to more bad news for minor league teams and players.

Minor leaguers thought capable of being included on a 20-man “taxi squad” if there is a shortened season would have access to workout facilities to stay ready in case they are needed at the major league level.

The budget cuts have been felt around baseball and include the A’s stopping their $400 stipend to minor leaguers beginning last Sunday. And the Nationals, coming off their World Series championship, reportedly reversed course Monday after receiving backlash from moving to reduce stipends to $300 per month for their minor leaguers.

For the Yankees’ non-uniform personnel, such as the front office, scouts, staff members, etc., the team recently told them they would be paid through at least June 15.

At that point, potential options include cutting salaries, instituting furloughs or letting people go.