Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday that it is extending its support program for minor league players during the coronavirus pandemic, and those at the lower levels of the Texas Rangers’ farm system have even more money coming their way courtesy of Shin-Soo Choo.
In addition to the $400 per week and medical benefits they will get from MLB, Rangers minor leaguers will also be receiving $1,000 each from Choo. The kind gesture was first reported by Korean sports website Naver Sports, which obtained information about a text message exchange between Choo and Rangers minor leaguer Eli White.
“Hey, Choo, this is Eli. Thanks for helping me out with the per diem checks,” White wrote to Choo in one text. “It is going to help my wife and I out a lot.”
Choo replied by telling White “don’t worry about money” and assuring the 25-year-old he can come to Choo if he needs “something more.”
There are 190 minor leaguers in the Rangers’ system, so Choo will be giving out at least $190,000. The report was confirmed by Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, who said Choo approached the Rangers with the idea after spring training was shut down in March.
Choo is set to earn $21 million in 2020 and has made more than $130 million during his MLB career. The 37-year-old has become one of the most respected leaders in the Rangers clubhouse, and it’s easy to see why. At a time of great uncertainty for people across the globe, athletes have stepped up with some incredible gestures to help ease the burden.
