Report: At least 1 MLB team instructs front office to cut 2021 payroll

At least one Major League Baseball ownership group has asked its front office to cut payroll for the 2021 season due to the revenue losses the coronavirus pandemic is causing, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

While the team is not known, Olney also notes that many MLB executives expect other ownership groups to do the same.

The news comes as teams worry about income for the 2020 campaign if fans won't be able to attend games for some or all of the season.

There are ways a team can commit to cutting payroll, such as non-tendering arbitration-eligible players or allowing impending free agents to leave and not signing others. However, MLB contracts are guaranteed, which means long-term deals currently on the books will need to be honored.

Cutting costs seemingly impacts the upcoming class of free agents the most, which former MVP outfielder Mookie Betts, two-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, and right-hander Trevor Bauer headline. The class also features a robust middle tier that includes Minnesota Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi, Chicago Cubs lefty Jose Quintana, and Oakland A's shortstop Marcus Semien.