CHICAGO -- All White Sox Minor League players will be required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters by the upcoming start of Spring Training. The White Sox required all Minor League players to be vaccinated to attend 2021 Spring Training and had 100 percent cooperation.

A statement released by the team Friday night addressed the decision. 

“The Chicago White Sox are requiring all of our employees to be up to date on their Covid-19 vaccination status, and this requirement extends to our minor-league players as well. We believe this is the right thing to do to protect the health and well-being of all of our players and staff across the organization.” 

As mentioned in the statement, all White Sox employees also are required to be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. That includes front office personnel, administration, managers and coaches across the organization. The White Sox Minor League mini-camp begins on Feb. 21, with the first workout on Feb. 22. Minor League pitchers and catchers report on March 2 with the first workout the next day. Position players report on March 6, with the first full-squad workout on March 7. 

ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the White Sox requirement.