Pirates become 1st known MLB team to suspend staff retirement benefits

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made the decision to suspend retirement benefits for baseball operations staff, becoming the first known Major League Baseball team to do so.

"Last week, we announced that we have committed to pay our baseball operations staff through at least May 31 as we continue to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus on the 2020 season," said Pirates vice president of communications and broadcasting Brian Warecki, according to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

"I can also confirm for you that all of the members on our executive leadership team have voluntarily taken salary reductions, and we have temporarily suspended our fellowship and internship programs, as well as employer contributions to our 401(k) plan.

"These efforts were made to help alleviate the need for furloughs or further salary cuts as this time."

Each team is handling the coronavirus pandemic differently. The San Diego Padres, for example, have committed to paying employees through October at a reduced rate. Some teams, like the Pirates, are going month-to-month, which has left some industry employees worried about additional cuts beyond May, Rosenthal and Drellich add.