Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States. The MLB is comprised of 30 teams, 29 of which are located in the United States and one in Canada. Each team has a 40-man roster of players and these players have the potential to be called up from the minor leagues at any time. But what happens when a player is called up to the big leagues? How much do they make?
Base Salary
The base salary for MLB players is determined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLB and the MLB Players Association. The base salary for a player on the 40-man roster is $563,500 for the 2021 season. This is the same salary for a player who has been called up from the minor leagues.
Performance Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, MLB players can also earn performance bonuses. These bonuses are based on the player’s performance and can be paid out as a lump sum or split up over the course of the season. For example, a player may receive a bonus for achieving a certain number of plate appearances or for playing in a certain number of games.
Signing Bonuses
When a player is called up to the MLB, they may also receive a signing bonus. This is a one-time payment that is given to the player in exchange for signing a contract with the team. The amount of the signing bonus can vary greatly and is usually determined by the team’s budget and the player’s performance in the minor leagues.
Endorsement Deals
Many MLB players are also able to take advantage of endorsement deals. These deals can range from a one-time payment to an ongoing salary for appearing in advertisements or for representing a company’s product. Endorsement deals can be a great way for players to supplement their income and can be especially lucrative for the most popular players.
Other Benefits
In addition to their salary and bonuses, MLB players also receive a number of other benefits. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, travel expenses, per diem payments, and more. These benefits are provided by the team and can help offset some of the costs associated with playing professional baseball.
Conclusion
When a player is called up to the MLB, they can expect to make a base salary of $563,500 for the 2021 season. In addition to their salary, players can also earn performance bonuses and signing bonuses as well as endorsement deals. MLB players also receive a number of other benefits, such as health insurance and travel expenses. All of these benefits and payments can add up to a significant sum and can help players to make a comfortable living while playing the game they love.