NEW YORK (AP) — Average baseball salary as compiled by the Major League Baseball Players Association and the minimum salary. For 1979-2000, salary deferrals without interest are discounted at 9 percent per year. For 2020, figures listed both for full pay and for reduction based on the shortened 60-game season caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. For 1987-2000, signing bonuses are increased at 9 percent per year. From 1987-2000, salary deferrals, buyouts and signing bonuses are increased or discounted to the prime rate in effect on the Nov. 1 following the season. From 2001-13, the interest rate in the Basic Agreement is used for signing bonuses, deferrals and buyouts. Since 2014, the interest rate in the Basic Agreement is used for advanced or deferred payments. (pp-before and after adjusting for pandemic-shortened season):
Year | Minimum | Average | |
1967 | $6,000 | $19,000 | |
1968 | 10,000 | NA | |
1969 | 10,000 | 24,909 | |
1970 | 12,000 | 29,303 | |
1971 | 12,750 | 31,543 | |
1972 | 13,500 | 34,092 | |
1973 | 15,000 | 36,566 | |
1974 | 15,000 | 40,839 | |
1975 | 16,000 | 44,676 | |
1976 | 19,000 | 51,501 | |
1977 | 19,000 | 76,066 | |
1978 | 21,000 | 99,876 | |
1979 | 21,000 | 113,558 | |
1980 | 30,000 | 143,756 | |
1981 | 32,500 | 185,651 | |
1982 | 33,500 | 241,497 | |
1983 | 35,000 | 289,194 | |
1984 | 40,000 | 329,408 | |
1985 | 60,000 | 371,571 | |
1986 | 60,000 | 412,520 | |
1987 | 62,500 | 412,454 | |
1988 | 62,500 | 438,729 | |
1989 | 68,000 | 497,254 | |
1990 | 100,000 | 597,537 | |
1991 | 100,000 | 851,492 | |
1992 | 109,000 | 1,028,667 | |
1993 | 109,000 | 1,076,089 | |
1994 | 109,000 | 1,168,263 | |
1995 | 109,000 | 1,110,766 | |
1996 | 122,667 | 1,119,981 | |
1997 | 150,000 | 1,336,609 | |
1998 | 170,000 | 1,398,831 | |
1999 | 200,000 | 1, | 611,166 |
2000 | 200,000 | 1,895,630 | |
2001 | 200,000 | 2,138,896 | |
2002 | 200,000 | 2,295,649 | |
2003 | 300,000 | 2,372,189 | |
2004 | 300,000 | 2,313,535 | |
2005 | 316,000 | 2,476,589 | |
2006 | 327,000 | 2,699,292 | |
2007 | 380,000 | 2,824,751 | |
2008 | 390,000 | 2,925,679 | |
2009 | 400,000 | 2,996,106 | |
2010 | 400,000 | 3,014,572 | |
2011 | 414,000 | 3,095,183 | |
2012 | 480,000 | 3,213,479 | |
2013 | 490,000 | 3,386,212 | |
2014 | 500,000 | 3,818,923 | |
2015 | 507,500 | 3,952,252 | |
2016 | 507,500 | 3,966,020 | |
2017 | 535,000 | 4,097,122 | |
2018 | 545,000 | 4,095,686 | |
2019 | 555,000 | 4,051,490 | |
p-2020 | 563,500 | 3,881,021 | |
p-2020 | 563,500 | 1,590,004 | |
2021 | 570,500 | 3,679,335 | |
2022 | 700,000 | 4,222,193 | |
2023 | 720,000 | 4,525,719 |