The Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star game is one of the most prestigious events in professional sports. Every year, the best players from the American and National Leagues face off in the annual classic, and the rosters are filled with some of the most talented players in the league. As such, these players are rewarded with some of the highest salaries in professional sports. So, how much do MLB All-Star players get paid?
Average Salaries
The average MLB player makes around $4.36 million per year, with the highest paid players making upwards of $30 million or more. However, the salaries of All-Star players tend to be much higher than the average. In fact, the average salary of an All-Star player is around $13 million, with the highest paid All-Stars making over $30 million per year.
Salaries of the Top Players
The top players in the league often take home the largest salaries, and the same is true for All-Star players. The highest paid All-Star in the league is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who is currently making $33 million per year. Other top paid All-Stars include Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout ($33 million), Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper ($21 million), and Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts ($20 million).
Top Free Agent Signings
When it comes to free agent signings, All-Star players tend to be the most coveted. Every year, teams are willing to shell out huge sums of money to secure the services of the best players in the league. In recent years, the biggest free agent signings have included the likes of Zack Greinke (Los Angeles Dodgers; $206 million), David Price (Boston Red Sox; $217 million), and Max Scherzer (Washington Nationals; $210 million).
The Impact of Performance Bonuses
In addition to their annual salaries, All-Star players can also receive performance bonuses if they reach certain milestones or attain certain goals. These bonuses often come in the form of cash, stocks, or other incentives. For example, in the 2017 season, Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel earned a $1 million bonus for winning the American League Cy Young Award. Similarly, in 2018, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw earned a $2 million bonus for winning the National League Cy Young Award.
Conclusion
As one of the premier events in professional sports, the MLB All-Star game attracts some of the best players in the league. As such, these players are rewarded with some of the highest salaries in professional sports. The average salary of an All-Star player is around $13 million, with the highest paid All-Stars making upwards of $30 million per year. In addition to their annual salaries, All-Star players can also receive performance bonuses if they reach certain milestones or attain certain goals. All in all, MLB All-Star players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world.