How minor league baseball players are paid (2024)

AP

NEW YORK (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee intends to hold a hearing on Major League Baseball's antitrust exemption as it relates to the employment of players in the minor leagues.

There are two categories of minor league players: those with major league contracts on 40-man rosters, who are represented by the Major League Baseball Players Association, and those with minor league contracts, who are not unionized:

MAJOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS

Those with major league contracts who are in the minor leagues on optional or outright assignments have a minimum salary this year of $57,200 for the six-month season if playing under a first major league contract, and $114,100 if playing under a second or later major league contract. The vast majority of players in this category are playing at Triple-A, many of them shuttling back and forth to the major leagues. If called up to the majors, the minimum salary is $700,000 — which comes to $3,846 for each day in the big leagues.

MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS

The minimum salary is $400 weekly at rookie level, $500 at Class A, $600 at Double-A and $700 at Triple-A. Major League Baseball says 63% of players on opening day minor league rosters this year had salaries above the minimum and players also receive health care, tuition assistance, housing, meals and per diem during the season.

SIGNING BONUSES

Among residents of the U.S. and Canada, who are subject to baseball's draft, amateurs signing initial minor league contracts receive signing bonuses, most $20,000 and up. First-round picks last year received $7,922,000 to $1.8 million, and players among the top 75 selections received at least $747,500. About 95 players received under $20,000 each from among the roughly 740 draft-eligible players who signed.

Among residents of other nations, who are international amateur free agents, the 43 highest bonuses last year were $1 million or more. There were 370 players among roughly 520 signing who received signing bonuses of $20,000 or more and about 150 who received under $20,000.

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How minor league baseball players are paid (2024)

FAQs

How minor league baseball players are paid? ›

Minimum salaries will rise from $4,800 to $19,800 at rookie ball, $11,000 to $26,200 at Low Class A, $11,000 to $27,300 at High Class A, $13,800 to $27,300 at Double A and $17,500 to $35,800 at Triple-A. Players will be paid in the offseason for the first time.

How much do minor league baseball players get paid? ›

Minimum salaries will rise from $4,800 to $19,800 at rookie ball, $11,000 to $26,200 at Low Class A, $11,000 to $27,300 at High Class A, $13,800 to $27,300 at Double A and $17,500 to $35,800 at Triple-A. Players will be paid in the offseason for the first time.

What does an AAA baseball player make? ›

The current AAA minimum is $2150 per month (and remember, they only get paid for six months of the year). They also receive a $25 per diem when they are on the road ("meal money"). More experienced players on AAA contracts will make more, perhaps two or even three times that amount.

How do minor league baseball contracts work? ›

Definition. Players who are on Minor League or split contracts are not fully guaranteed their salaries. A player on a split or Minor League contract will earn the prorated portion of his Major League salary for time spent on the Major League roster.

Can you make money in minor league baseball? ›

Minor League Baseball player contracts are handled by the Major League Baseball office. Here are the salary ranges: First contract season: $1,100/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation.

Who is the lowest paid MLB player? ›

Lowest-paid MLB players
MLB PlayerTeamAnnual earnings
Nick BurdiCHC$720,000
Bryce ElderATL$720,000
Reiver SanmartinCIN$720,000
Jeremiah EstradaCHC$720,000
110 more rows
Oct 30, 2023

Is minor league baseball a full-time job? ›

Major League Baseball and its teams long have claimed minor league players are seasonal employees, more akin to apprentices than full-time workers. A judge shredded that claim Tuesday, in a ruling that affirmed close to $2 million in penalties and could make the league as well as its teams liable for more.

Is it better to be in AA or AAA baseball? ›

AAA or triple A is the highest MiLB level, and where players are most likely to be called up to the parent Major League team. AA or double A. Class A advanced or “High A” Class A, or “Low A”

What is the 2024 MLB minimum salary? ›

MLB posted record revenue in 2023, but teams scaled back on free agent spending this year overall, as well as on big ticket items. 12 free agents signed contracts worth at least $85 million last offseason, but just five this year.

How much do Triple-A umpires make? ›

The Association of Minor League Baseball Umpires (ALMU) has approved a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new agreement will see umpires paid $2,800 a month in the rookie complex leagues, $3,000 in Low-A and $4,500 in Triple-A.

Do minor league players have other jobs? ›

Players pack and carry their own luggage for long bus trips to games. Many hold additional jobs in the off-season to make ends meet, which can be hard to do on a salary of about $180/week. Satisfaction is low in the minors, but players enjoy a strong sense of camaraderie with other aspiring major leaguers.

Do minor leaguers get paid during the dead period? ›

Dead period: No pay.

Do minor league players get benefits? ›

Minor league players will receive new benefits that include significant pay increases, improved transportation policies and improved medical rights. Players also will have access to a new 401(k) retirement plan, extended health coverage and name, image and likeness rights.

Do minor league baseball players get free housing? ›

“In the second season, we took another significant step forward with a new housing policy that provides a free housing option to minor league players during spring training and the regular season for the first time ever. Players who have more substantial housing needs can opt-out of the system.

What is the highest salary for a minor league baseball player? ›

Minor League Baseball Players make the most in San Jose, CA at $240,950 averaging total compensation 97% greater than US average.

How much do minor league baseball players make when called up? ›

If called up to the majors, the minimum salary is $700,000 — which comes to $3,846 for each day in the big leagues. Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings. The minimum salary is $400 weekly at rookie level, $500 at Class A, $600 at Double-A and $700 at Triple-A.

What is Jackson Holliday's salary? ›

Jackson Holliday signed a 1 year , $740,000 contract with the Baltimore Orioles, including $740,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $740,000.

How much do G League players make? ›

How much money do G League players make? Players in the G League sign one-year contracts with the league, not the NBA team or its affiliate. That excludes two-way players or players on assignment. The minimum salary for a five-to-six month season is $40,500.

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