MLB Salaries Uncovered: Average Pay by Position
By Oliver Wiener September 06, 2024 07:00
If there is a league that combines the word "sport" with financial stakes, then it must be Major League Baseball (MLB). MLB player salaries wildly vary by position, experience, and performance. This research averages MLB salaries, analyzing the causes for such numbers, recent trends, and a comparison with other professional sports.
Pitchers
Starting Pitchers
Major league starting pitchers are some of the most handsomely-compensated players in baseball, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Given their importance in the team, even his salary is reflective. By 2024, the average salary for starters will rest near $5 million per season. But at the top of that market, pitchers such as Shohei Ohtani and Gerrit Cole have dealt well north of $40 million a year. These salaries will be based on the pitcher's win-loss record, ERA (Earned Run Average) & strikeout rates.
Relief Pitchers
The one position, relief pitchers (along with closers), who make less than starters, still earn large dollars. The average relief pitcher earns around $3 million annually. The use of closers, typically high-save players, can drive up payrolls considerably, and closer salaries might jump to $10 million a year for elite performers.
Catchers
Catchers must be solid defensively and guide pitchers throughout a game. The average salary for a catcher is around $2.5 million annually and varies depending on the top-heavy nature of MLB, such as with Buster Posey ($22,177,778 in 2018) and one-year contract players like Austin Wynns (MLB minimum). The likes of the over $10 million per annum like Will Smith illustrate pay for top-end defensive value and some offensive contributions.
Infielders
First Basemen
They are hit with power, and they are paid accordingly. The typical first baseman makes $3.5 million annually, on average. For the hit-first corner infielders like Freddie Freeman, and Paul Goldschmidt, they make much more than other great players ($20 million).
Second Basemen
The only truly important of the positions noted above shortstops are average hitters but good fielders; as a rule, the same goes for centerfield. This role generally pulls in around $2 million annually. For hitters that rake and defend at an elite level like Jose Altuve, it can be $30 million.
Shortstops
Shortstops are among the most versatile players on the field, unlike first basemen, and their wages mirror this. A shortstop salary of around $3 million per year. Golden Glovers can go north of $25 million annually in free agency.
Third Basemen
Shortfalls have been found at third base, although those players are often power hitters and pay, on average, $3 million a year. Type of players like Manny Machado, combining defense skills with offensive power rewards much more than most, earning 30+ million dollars yearly in salary.
Outfielders
Right Fielders
Right fielders, largely recognized for having the most powerful arms and lineup-hitting skills in any outfield position, are being paid, on average, about $3.5 million annually. Then you have highest-paid MLB players like Mookie Betts, earning as much as $35 million annually.
Center Fielders
The league-average salary of $3 million annually extends even to the center fielders, who are prized for their speed and defense. The very best players, Mike Trout-type guys, are not only among the elite offensively but also provide great value defensively, can earn north of $35 million a year.
Left Fielders
Power-hitting left fielders get $3 million per year on average. Their offensive production and defensive aptitude can cause their salaries to fluctuate on the good side by a wide margin.
Designated Hitters
They average around $3 million per year since they are typically strong offensive players for the most part. The DH is vital in the American League, often serving as that club's main RBI man. This imaginary top DH is making well into the $20 million per year range.
Comparative Analysis
For salaries, starting pitchers typically reign supreme, and for positional players, it is generally the case of a center fielder or an outfielder. That trend is a response to teams willing to pay for game-changing impact from pitchers or hitters who have significant value at the plate and in the field. Second basemen and catchers, meanwhile, tend to earn less money than outfielders due to the limited number of places on a starting roster behind home plate or between first and second base.
Statistical Data and Trends
In 2023, the average MLB salary increased by 7% to a record $4.5 million. Those amounts are on the higher end of a steady rise in player salaries, driven by increased revenues and TV contracts. Now, here in 2024, some teams are said to be slashing payroll somewhere as well, so maybe this should not come as a surprise.
Baseball is a complex game, as salaries across the board are greatly different due largely to positional value, among other things like performance and market demand. Starting pitchers and outfielders average the highest yearly salaries, with infielders/catchers typically earning less. Knowing these dynamics is important if one wants to understand the financial side of America's favorite sport.
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