Baseball is one of the oldest and most beloved sports in the United States. Every year, millions of fans tune in to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the diamond. But what happens when an injury sidelines a player mid-season? Do they still get paid? This article will answer that question and provide a comprehensive overview of how Major League Baseball (MLB) handles player salaries when they are on the disabled list.
What is the Disabled List?
The disabled list (DL) is a roster designation given to a player who is temporarily unable to play due to an injury or illness. The player can remain on the disabled list for up to 60 days, however, if the player is still unable to play after 60 days, the team can extend the player’s stay on the DL for an additional 15 days. After the 15-day extension, the team can either activate the player or place them on the 60-day disabled list.
How Do MLB Teams Handle Player Salaries When They Are on the DL?
When a player is placed on the DL, their team is responsible for paying their full salary for the duration of the DL stay. This means that the team must continue to pay the player their full salary, even if they are unable to contribute to the team while they are on the DL.
However, if the player is placed on the 60-day DL, the team may be able to recoup some of the salary they are paying to the player. This is done through the MLB’s Salary Deferral Program, which allows teams to defer up to 50% of the player’s salary while they are on the DL. The team can then pay the player the deferred salary at a later date.
Do Players Receive Benefits While on the DL?
Yes, players are still eligible to receive benefits while on the DL. The benefits that players are eligible for include health insurance, pension contributions, and other benefits that are available to all active players.
Do Players Receive Bonuses While on the DL?
In most cases, players do not receive bonuses while on the DL. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if a player is on the DL due to an injury suffered in the line of duty, they may be eligible for a bonus from their team. Additionally, some teams may choose to award bonuses to players who have been on the DL for an extended period of time.
Are Disabled List Salaries Taxable?
Yes, disabled list salaries are taxable. The amount of taxes that a player must pay on their disabled list salary will depend on their individual tax situation.
Do Players Receive Service Time While on the DL?
No, players do not receive service time while on the DL. Service time is a metric used by MLB to determine a player’s eligibility for free agency and arbitration. If a player is on the DL, their service time will remain unchanged.
How Does the DL Affect a Player’s Contract?
If a player is on the DL for an extended period of time, it can have a major impact on their contract. This is because teams may choose to terminate a player’s contract if they are on the DL for an extended period of time.
What Happens When a Player Is Activated From the DL?
When a player is activated from the DL, they are eligible to return to the team’s active roster. They will also be eligible to receive their full salary and benefits again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLB teams are responsible for paying the full salary of players who are placed on the disabled list. However, teams may be able to recoup some of the salary they are paying to the player through the MLB’s Salary Deferral Program. Additionally, players are still eligible to receive benefits while on the DL and their service time will remain unchanged. Finally, if a player is on the DL for an extended period of time, it can have a major impact on their contract.