What Happens When You Get Released in MLB

[@SerenityMiya2009]

I wish I had the opportunity to be good enough to be released

[@bezllama3325]

Same

[@tonytone527]

SerenityMiya2009 you did but didn’t

[@oldcop18]

Me too! Growing up my dream was to play first base for the old Washington Senators but it never happened, not even close.

[@robertewalt7789]

I wish I was good enough to start on my Cub Scout team.

[@PopOutPaulie]

Nah bro you really don't. Minor league players make absolutely no money. What Matt went through is really gruesome. Outside of his bonus for being Drafted He'll tell you himself. He didn't make any money

[@bigspook999]

"I probably am hurt right now and I'm just not telling you". Hahahahah

[@SuperMarlinsfan]

bigspook999 😂😂😂

[@Haroldbeavis1969]

I LOL'd.

[@rmp5s]

Friggin hilarious...lol

[@hellsinvader]

Nats fan here. The catcher you were thinking of is Yan Gomes.

[@SteeleZack]

Oh yes Yan Gomes, choosing to keep J.P. Arencibia over him turned out to be a terrible move.

[@hellsinvader]

Zack Steele he’s not much of a hitter for us but he’s great defensively

[@ElPhenomenon]

@@hellsinvader lowkey haven't even noticed him , Suzuki has had more of an impact thought Gomes was injured or some.

[@hellsinvader]

Chino Don neither have been injured. Last time I saw Gomes start he had like a .203

[@Burt_Sampson]

Lol these comments aged terribly

[@juanmikan8289]

This sounds like my RTTS in The Show 19.

[@LilCeejay]

Lmao

[@thebeatledude2874]

You just have to play well

[@cybererik1]

Baseball is a rough business. I remember Cesar Puello being called up for the Angels at the beginning of this season. He has been in the minors for 12 years. He hit .390 and had 1.183 OPS over 12 games with the Angels. Well, Upton was ready to come back from his injury. Puello was immediately DFA'd. I felt so bad for him.

[@nerychristian]

Damn, that sucks.

[@kendallevans4079]

And Upton never really paid off for us, and now he's gone striking out for the Mariners. Meanwhile, that was Puello's only chance.

[@noobioulusjohnson9080]

Thumbnail seems pretty happy for being released

[@brettfriedman587]

Lol

[@bustamove5787]

Love how humble and open you are. Man this is the same grind for umpires.

[@ComedianOmarTarango]

You’ve lived a life I could only have dreamed of. Tough breaks, but what a journey!

[@johnlouisnagy2375]

Bullshit Omar, you have lived an incredible life... We have been monitoring you. :P - We like your optimized haircut and positive attitude.

[@kevinavila8639]

His hair isn’t optimized, is invisible

[@gregusjay]

I played in an independent league with former pro ball players.. basically playing for the love the game and hoping to get some magic back. . thanks for sharing your experiences. . it helps us fans get closer to the personal game of baseball..

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you for watching!

[@baseballbatbros]

Love your vids man

[@johnramsey7739]

Hello

[@fxlonewolf779heinen8]

Sup will

[@rockhopper01]

As an Orioles fan... glad you dodged that bullet sir. 😜

[@MrTycobb25]

Nice to hear the inner-workings of the game from someone so clear and level headed. Most of this stuff goes without mention or notice to the casual fan, but for those of us who've wondered - thanks for sharing your experience!

[@paulfox9252]

Hey mate thank you for the insite.Sorry to hear about your injuries.As i was born with 2 holes in my heart and played baseball hear in Australia as my parents would not let me play any contact sport.Then i found baseball and fell in live with the game.Thanks for sharing.

[@louisbologna4089]

These videos you make are awesome! As a fan of the game my whole life I've always been curious how this stuff went on behind the scenes. And you do a great job explaining to the audience everything behind the scenes! As great as it do be a professional baseball player it's a very tough road and you have to be mentally tough and have heart and y'all have my deepest respect! I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@FatalChaz33]

What an honest and interesting guy. I love these segments.

[@BillMorganChannel]

Hello Mr. Antonelli, you can answer a question I have always pondered. The Dodgers bring up young good players like weeds grow in my garden. The Angels have not had a good young player come from their minors since Mike Trout. Do the Dodgers both draft and develop players much better? Or is it one or the other? Are the Dodgers great at developing their young talent and the Angels not so much? How important is the minor league development in producing a Cody Bellinger or a Will Smith? Thank you.

[@davidkuhlman8004]

Jo Adell ?

[@jetjock8079]

You made it to the majors...that’s an incredible accomplishment !

[@kevinmckellar8445]

I love this guy, he is so honest..." I had to pretend I was hurt, I was good at it from being hurt all the time" lmao. He is a humble guy.

[@markhaggertyproductions6186]

Nats fan here. I follow the Nats minor league affiliates, and don’t remember you at all. Sorry. But you’re a stand up guy who has figured himself out and made a difference in youth baseball in a big way. Way more people will remember you for these things than playing, and that’s a terrific thing in my book. You deserve all the good things that come your way. Keep it up Matt!

[@Coachlen24]

what was the point of you saying that you don't remember him at all?

[@rigoortiz7443]

I remember him on the padres so your comment becomes irrelevant

[@markb.1259]

I never put 2 & 2 together earlier in your video. I've lived here in Chesapeake, Virginia and likely was at a game or two you played in Harbor Park with the Tide's! Thank you for your video Matt!!!

[@windridr66]

Some great baseball territory & history.

[@tomcamarillo9756]

Sorry bout your career journey! But you got to “taste” what most young men only dream about. Good luck with what is your future! Good video! Enjoyed it, ( life long baseball fan!)

[@Brian-nw9ig]

The catchers were Perez and Yan Gomes

[@yoitsvic1126]

Appreciate you sharing the story of your journey. It couldn’t have been easy but as someone that couldn’t even make my high school team but still love the game, it was very insightful. Keep up the good work, bro.

[@beng8634]

Hey Matt, I played for the New England Wolf Pack from 98-02, were you a member of the Lynn Lightening? I remember playing against a stud with the same last name.. Great video and explanations!

[@mcray0309]

Drafted in 06 so I would doubt it

[@MANGKANORMIDNIGHT69]

we are on the same boat Mr. Antonelli, I have been cut, designated for assignment, non tendered and released by the chippendales, they said my package seems wrinkled now and not responding to the crowd cheer, so I changed career, I am now a Gynecologist.

[@MikeDawg0007]

What I'm curious about, is how is the money/salary all working during all these trades/releases/AAA "downgrades"/whatever else. Who is paying you, is it all based on previously signed contracts, do contracts go to renegotiations?

[@armadillolover99]

On your first contract (draft deal, etc) the team will pay you the minimum for whatever level you’re on or if they’re feeling generous they could choose to pay you more (like some teams have their own organizational minor league minimum higher than the league mandate). For every day you’re at a certain level, you get paid a prorated amount of that level’s minimum. After that, it’s usually dependent on whatever it says in your contract.

[@armadillolover99]

Also when you’re traded it works like any other sport, you along with your contract are traded to another team, meaning they can choose to pay you based on whatever is stated in your contract.

[@jgarrison1309]

He made a video about salaries, while sitting in the same spot

[@Genjo_N_Mojave]

09:11 Thanks Matt for the comic relief "I probably am hurt right now, I'm just not telling you". I don't mean to laugh at you, rather with you. Thanks for a laugh I needed badly! I appreciate your insightful views, keep up the great work!!

[@tfirk4178]

Awesome code Matt. Cool to hear that you played in Rochester as thats my home town. If only I knew about your story back then

[@socialnetwerck]

I'm really glad you're here making youtube videos, sharing your stories. Oh and I'm sure that was a spot on impression of your wife :)

[@coaster1070]

Yan Gomes? (Edit) Indians fan or else I wouldnt have known but I liked calling him lawn gnomes

[@chriswesthoff0426]

Yep it was Yan Gomes

[@rileyesmay]

I have not watched a 15 minute video in a while, but this video was definitely worth it! This was a cool video!

[@coreyfish7177]

Thanks for the video Matt. I wish other players would tell their stories like you did here. Hi from MA btw!

[@Miloshe71]

Could you do a video on whether guys want to stay with a certain team or not? Like, if you wanted to stay with a team and take less money? Has that ever happened?

[@M747022]

Great video Matt. Thanks for walking us through the process. Getting cut sucks but I'd give just about anything to have played in MLB.

[@enroachingentei3474]

5:20 Triple-AAA Indianapolis is the Pirates, I know because I am a Pirates fan

[@josephh5085]

I'm not sure how this popped up in my recommended videos but I appreciate you sharing your story. It's very humbling as I'm sure you were a stud player to get to the big leagues in the first place.

[@zachariahshort6546]

Great vid, Matt! Can you do a video about American players going to Japan to play in the Nippon League? Would love to hear your thoughts on that

[@robertewalt7789]

A player who is cut can go to Japan, or other foreign countries.

[@ericburns5359]

Question. Are you protected financially under the MLB CBA when your released or cut? Is there a provision that gives you a portion of your contract in case of release/cut? Because in sports you could be tossed around many times in 1 season I wasn't sure if the union had language to protect the players financially during these kinds of events.

[@YouGoPro]

I like to say that “I relinquished my position”. “Retired” seems old but “cut” was most accurate. 🤣😭😢😔

[@Fastbreak27]

I don’t understand why the Indians would release you when you’re batting great. Also surprised no one else was interested. Sounds like injuries was your biggest downfall in your career. Thanks for the videos Matt.

[@RipJohnnyHockey]

Even tho you didn’t have as long a career I’m sure you would’ve hoped you, you still played in the majors and hit a Homerun in the majors something every kid dreams of doing one day. Hats off to you for a great career in professional baseball. It’s really unfortunate injuries plagued your career. I had a similar experience when I was younger that I was one of the better catchers in my age group and unfortunately when I turned 18 I started to battle knee injuries and issues and never was able to fully get back to full health and never got to have a chance to play professional. It’s a tough thing to do for journeyman players considering how little money they can make in the minors but I always have plenty of respect to guys like you who made it to the bigs and stuck with it for many years in the minors.

[@StudentCenterNY]

I just wanted to tell you that I found that incredibly interesting. And it sounds like you have really found your niche here and a way to have a nice baseball career even without staying in the big leagues. Best of luck to you.

[@KeepItFresh02]

rough! you have had a great attitude with everything despite the hardships. Sorry to hear that all the injuries happened. I used to watch baseball when I was younger. Im from san diego so I remember your name from back in 2006-2008 from watching games.

[@legoscardsmore6585]

Hey Matt, love the vids man! Hey I was wondering when your on the 40 man, but you are currently in the minors do you get higher pay than normal minor league salary? Thanks!

[@Trevorl-fo7vr]

Legos Cards & More yes you do

[@socmin030]

Defo more on 40M roster. You'll get daily share of league minimum for every day up in the show and also sometimes a player negotiates a minor league contract which pays him more than average if on 40M.

[@bartbutkis]

Matt. Thanks again for your humility and willingness to share your story. Quick question: Did you keep the same agent from your first contract to the end? Did you get your money's worth? Is there really a need for a guy in your situation to have an agent? Thanks

[@patrickthorpe422]

As a Yankee's fan I'd love to know how your experience was in the Yank's organization. If you can't do that I'd like to know how your experience with Brian Cashman was. Thanks for the great videos man, good luck in the future.

[@Voltage-rs7op]

In another video he said they always made him shave and wear high pants so idk if he liked it that much lmao

[@Awesome_Timez]

Good thing about doing youtube videos is that you have a very slim chance of getting injured. You might get a cramp once in a while with editing or other related things but you won't get any major hand or other injuries.

[@secordman]

Your channel is excellent, a player's view of things from the inside. Those who might mock your career don't seem to realize that there are so many top notch players who have come out of high school and college who never made it. Making it in pro sports is hard. Like Crash Davis you were in The Show. Thinking of Chris Colabello who was a key player in the Blue Jays' 2015 run, who came out of independent ball, (then things fell apart with his PED suspension the next year). Hit .321 in 333 AB, it happens sometimes.

[@ellisandrews440]

What a story and thanks for explaining. Enjoy giving back with your coaching

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!

[@murfdog19]

In order to be released, you have to be drafted or signed in the first place. 99 out of 100 players aren't even good enough for that!

[@jawbone78]

It's true. Think about the best guys you played with or against in high school; chances are they didn't get anywhere near where this guy did. There's more or less 750 active major leaguers at any given moment, and probably half of them have to legitimately worry about being optioned, designated, waived, non-tendered, or released every season. Sooner or later, almost every single player goes through this stuff at least once.

[@bigbluenationsmith2489]

Thank you for sharing your history with us. And some really good information I wasn’t aware of.

[@erins2651]

Hey Matt, my question is what is it like on promotion days like bobble head day or t-shirt night. Have you every been in a team promotion and do you get some of those items?

[@boleroboy723]

Wow, great story. You make it clear how difficult it is to make it onto a big league team. So many factors that have nothing to do with talent - injuries, needed position open, 40 man rosters ! Wow it takes sacrifice and dedication.

[@Oceansideca1987]

Unfortunately as a Padres fan most of the first round draft picks have gotten hurt or haven’t worked out

[@curtkautsch]

I’m a 20 years ago college drafted player succumbing to injury, i would’ve killed to have this kind of intel at the time. Keep it up for the up and comers 👍💯 good luck!

[@michaelkaminski]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing. Gives a glimpse most of us never get.

[@stevegiano8856]

Curious, when this happens (release, dfa, cut, etc), is your agent (or you) calling teams looking for work? Or, do you simply have to wait for someone to call you?

[@TheOfficialPHC]

Thank you for sharing! Really enjoyed the behind the scenes information.

[@lc7581]

Matt- Loved you when you were with the Ems! I'm glad you have such a good sense of humour about everything. Hope life treats you well!

[@JuanLopez-xk7bs]

Word I didn’t know you were on the Yankees! I’m officially a fan!

[@logieberra]

Hi Matt, can you do a vid on international player signings. Back in the late 90s, visas seemed to really limit the intake. I understand they are no longer an issue?

[@ricka7747]

Just found this channel by luck. I was the guy who sent you some of your old games, by request of Mike Prete. This was neat to see!

[@natelan69420]

You seem like an awesome dude. Very humble and honest. As a Padres fan in SD, wish it could've worked out, 'cause you're an awesome dude. Subscribed and bell'd. Best wishes, brother.

[@may4th477]

I hope you understand how much more you have to offer baseball real talk

[@guitarhero918]

Hey Matt I just wanted to thank you for your advice. You advised me to join a men’s baseball league and I am involved in one finally! Your encouragement really Helped me have the confidence to join!!!

[@rascalguy60]

I was frustrated with my injuries so I switched teams. *Bad luck Brian* Signs with the Washington Nationals.

[@dcavfactory]

Cool and informative. Tough game. Good luck on your future ventures

[@NYTOC]

I'm glad you at least made it, I got cut because I was an inch too short as a Starting Pitcher for the Jays in 2007. I had everything, nasty curve, breaking-ball splitter, sliding/change-up and Knuckle ball. They asked me to throw a fastball and I go.. O_o huh, what's a fastball??? Even though I struck out every batter they challenged me with. LOL. Would have been great to play with the Jays from 2010...now I work for the 2nd largest LCBO in Ontario where I see Jays staff walk in ^_^ but hey, first job was working at the SkyDome, and I did throw off the mound in 2001 during a tryout session back then.

[@TheRedDevil_NC]

You got to play for my hometown team, the Padres. Nothing in life can beat that.

[@johnbaum6863]

This release thing would drive me nuts. Up, down, up, down, up, down. I’d have offered to be the bullpen catcher.

[@YankeeBlue]

Good luck Matt -- you have the experiences to last a lifetime and tell many young people -- you will make a great coach I am sure. Or on-air analyst. Or anything you want to do. You are a winner.

[@jimbojet8728]

Thank you. Honest and open, very interesting.

[@ianfaulkner7734]

Norfolk? You were on the Tides!? I live 5 minutes from the stadium, pass it every day to work. Super cool!

[@brendanwilson4876]

Great video! Love your honesty! Question: are the players playing independent baseball just playing for the love of the game or are they still working towards a possible return to MILB ball?

[@BernardJTarver]

Man, my heart hurt just listening to that. My hat is off to you for being able to share that with a smile.

[@maxomara7607]

I have a question. I live in Rochester and maybe it was I was too young to remember. But I don’t recall the Yankees AAA team playing here. Did you guys play at Frontier Field and share it with the Red Wings?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Max O'Mara yes our stadium was undergoing renovations

[@mikebattista9570]

So I'm guessing that new Southwest commercial with the multiple traded pitcher is your story? Seriously you got to play in the show. All the best for the Future

[@jesseramon]

You have a great camera and content presence.. I hope ESPN or Fox watching and hope to see you doing some play by play.. You obviously know the game better than some of the current on air personalities..

[@MikeyD8716]

I have a 5 year old... I hope some day he’s good enough for you to coach him up. Good luck with everything brother.

[@jeffreya9208]

Here is a question, who pays the doctor bills/medical costs?

[@Wardup04]

One day on the 25-man roster = lifetime insurance coverage

[@jeffreya9208]

What about at the minor league level?

[@redruml5872]

Workers comp.

[@KJ3113]

Wardup04 Really? I don’t know about that.

[@sirmang9032]

Thinking back on it, do you regret or wish you had given Independent ball a try? What about leagues like the NPB did they give you a call? I'd be shocked if you answered but just stumbled on your channel and videos of your experience with the game and it's fascinating.

[@scottmitchell358]

I give you a lot of credit. As for me, well..... I went to a tryout camp and made a total ass of my self. I had played organized baseball from the age eight through high school. I even went to Bo Belchers Camp in Oklahoma for a month. However, at least I tried. Now, I'm 64 years old and always wonder "what if." Thanks for your story. HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL!

[@CourticalHoops]

How did you get most of your injuries on or off the field?

[@oscarmb95]

You're an honest man, appreciate that

[@budstephens7239]

Another great information video !!! I heard that the ny tollway that one year was glad to see you ..... have you ever thought about becoming a play by play announcer ?? Also espn should give you a show

[@LM-gi9fw]

Hey Andrew did you purchase a home in San Diego.

[@matthewburdman27]

Great video Matt, wishing you all the best. Go SD!

[@ObiWanKenobi]

Your wife just wanted that beautiful San Diego weather

[@JoshHav6051]

Omg your my favorite Star Wars character

[@sadmetsfan7660]

I’ve always wondered, how do moves actually get made? Like demoting a player from one level to another, or designating a player for assignment? Does the GM contact the commissioners office, or what?

[@redbird97]

Interesting post. Thanks!

[@kevinroulette]

Enjoy your channel . Great behind the scenes info.

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Awesome video. Always wondered about this.

[@camrobischon4369]

honestly I get these are kinda sad stories but I cant even imagine how amazing and fun of an expirience that must have been. Thanks for making these cool vids.

[@bobnelson9480]

What a journey. This shows why baseball players need to always work on maintaining confidence and staying focused both on and off the field.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure!!!

[@thomasmc7014]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@marcblumberg314]

Very informative and entertaining!

[@keithboyd9582]

Can you please do some videos where you talk about what it is like being at/playing at different mlb stadiums like Yankees Stadium, Fenway Park, etc... And some behind the scenes stories about being at these stadiums?

[@inutero10]

You made it farther in pro baseball than most bro. Thats exceptional.

[@jgfunk]

I'm loving these!!