just like the wedding invitation from that guy’s ex in yesterday’s thread.

I think Bill Simmons or somebody did a bit on spring training invites a couple years ago and was sad to learn that there is no actual invitation, just maybe some language in the player contract.

Just the top prospects, the guys closest to the majors, and, purely out of need, extra pitchers and catchers.

For free agents who sign minor league deals, it completely depends on the player. Guys who have played in the majors typically demand them, as they at least get the MLB salary, meal money, lodging, etc. during spring training. Same for the better minor league free agents — some will sign with a certain team just because they get the spring training invite even if they little hope of making the team. Some of the guys on minor league deals, however, do have a good chance of making the team, but it gives the team some flexibility in that (1) they do not have to clear a 40-man roster spot unless the player actually makes the team and (2) the team can send the player to the minors to start the year without having to expose him to waivers and risk losing him. A minor league free agent who last played in A ball, however, is likely to be assigned to the minor league camp.