The Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most lucrative professional sports leagues in the world. Players in the MLB are among the best-paid athletes in the world, with salaries ranging from millions of dollars to hundreds of thousands. So, how much does a MLB player make per year?
Average MLB Player Salaries
The average annual salary of a MLB player is $4.38 million per year, according to the MLB Players Association. This figure has been steadily rising over the years, with the average salary for the 2018 season reaching an all-time high of $4.47 million. This figure is expected to continue to increase in the coming years as the league continues to grow in popularity and attract more sponsorship deals.
High-Earning Players
While the average MLB salary is already quite high, there are some players who are earning even more. The highest-paid player in the league is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who earned an estimated $34.5 million in 2018. Other top earners include Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer ($30 million), Arizona Diamondbacks star Zack Greinke ($34 million) and San Francisco Giants outfielder Bryce Harper ($21 million).
Salary Caps and Minimum Salaries
In addition to the average salary, there are also salary caps in place in the MLB. Every team has a salary cap of $197 million for the 2019 season, which means that teams cannot spend more than this amount on player salaries. In addition, every team must pay all of its players a minimum salary of $545,000 for a full season.
Factors That Affect Salaries
The amount that a player earns in the MLB is determined by a variety of factors. These include their performance, age, position, and the team they play for. Players who are more experienced and have higher stats tend to earn more than younger, less experienced players. The team that a player plays for can also have an effect on their salary, with teams in bigger markets typically offering more lucrative contracts.
Endorsement Deals
While salaries are an important source of income for MLB players, many also make money through endorsement deals. These deals can be with a variety of companies, ranging from clothing brands to sports equipment companies. Some of the top earners in the league, such as Kershaw and Harper, have endorsement deals with major companies such as Nike and Adidas.
Conclusion
MLB players are among the highest-paid athletes in the world, with the average salary for the 2018 season reaching an all-time high of $4.47 million. Some players, such as Kershaw and Harper, can earn even more due to endorsement deals. The salaries of MLB players are determined by a variety of factors, including performance, age, position, and the team they play for.