MLBPA to open spring training camp for free agents Tuesday in Florida
A spring training site for dozens of unsigned free agents and hosted by the Major League Baseball players’ union will open Tuesday at the IMG Baseball Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Citing as rationale an “unprecedented” number of free agents still available, and as 30 team camps commence across Florida and Arizona, the union has invited its players to a facility it says would “replicate a professional training environment.” Beyond that, the union said, it would, “Continue to identify ways to generally support, provide ongoing information, and increase the visibility of unsigned players.”
Bo Porter, the former manager of the Houston Astros and a longtime major league player and coach, will head the camp. Attending players will be housed and insured by the union. They also will receive a per diem. The camp is scheduled to run through the first week in March, though it could go longer or shorter depending on participation.
It is unclear how many players will attend.
