For decades, Major League Baseball (MLB) has been one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States. While most fans are familiar with what goes on during the games, many don’t know much about the day-to-day life of MLB players. For example, do MLB players pay for travel?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than it seems. The short answer is that MLB teams typically cover the cost of travel for their players. However, there are certain scenarios in which players may need to pay for their own travel.
I. What Does MLB Cover?
The most common type of travel for MLB players is when they are heading to a road game. In these cases, MLB teams typically cover the cost of travel for the players. This includes airfare, hotel, rental cars, and other associated costs. Additionally, MLB teams typically provide meal money for the players while they are away from home.
MLB teams also cover the cost of travel when the players are sent to the minor leagues for rehabilitation assignments. In these cases, the teams will typically pay for the player’s airfare, hotel, and other associated costs.
II. When Do Players Pay For Travel?
Although MLB teams typically cover the cost of travel for their players, there are certain scenarios in which players may need to pay for their own travel expenses. For example, if a player is sent to the minor leagues for a rehab assignment but opts to drive to the destination rather than fly, the team may not cover the cost of the travel.
Similarly, MLB teams typically do not cover the cost of travel for players who are sent to the minor leagues for extended spring training or instructional league assignments. In these cases, the players are responsible for their own travel expenses.
Additionally, some players may need to pay for their own travel when they are traded or released from a team. In these cases, the team does not typically cover the cost of the player’s travel.
III. How Are Travel Expenses Reimbursed?
MLB teams typically reimburse players for any travel expenses they incur. Reimbursement is usually done through the team’s payroll department. Players can submit receipts for any expenses they incur and will be reimbursed within a few weeks.
IV. Are There Any Restrictions On Travel?
While MLB teams typically cover the cost of travel for their players, there are some restrictions in place. For example, MLB teams do not typically cover the cost of first-class airfare or luxury hotels. Additionally, teams typically have a limit on the amount of money they are willing to spend on a player’s travel expenses.
V. What About Family Travel?
In certain cases, MLB teams may cover the cost of travel for a player’s family members. For example, if a player is sent to the minor leagues for rehabilitation or extended spring training, the team may cover the cost of airfare for the player’s spouse or children.
However, MLB teams typically do not cover the cost of family travel when a player is traded or released from a team. In these cases, the player is usually responsible for the cost of their family’s travel expenses.
VI. What About International Travel?
MLB teams typically cover the cost of international travel for their players. This includes airfare, hotel, and other associated costs. Additionally, MLB teams typically provide meal money for players who are traveling overseas.
VII. Do Players Receive Travel Perks?
In some cases, MLB teams may provide players with travel perks such as upgraded hotel rooms or airline tickets. These perks are typically reserved for star players or those who have earned a certain amount of service time in the majors.
VIII. Are There Any Tax Implications?
Under the Internal Revenue Code, any travel expenses that are reimbursed by an employer are considered income. As such, any money that is paid to a player for travel expenses is subject to income tax.
IX. Do All Teams Cover Travel Expenses?
Not all MLB teams cover the cost of travel for their players. Some teams may require players to pay for their own travel expenses in certain scenarios. As such, players should be aware of their team’s travel policies before they sign a contract.
X. Conclusion
In conclusion, MLB teams typically cover the cost of travel for their players. However, there are certain scenarios in which players may need to pay for their own travel expenses. Additionally, players should be aware of any tax implications associated with travel expenses that are reimbursed by their team.