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MLB Average Salary Hits Record $4.72 Million as Growth Slows to 1.4%

Union's 2025-based tally spotlights stark service-time pay gaps heading into a Dec. 1 CBA deadline.

Overview

  • Final MLBPA figures put the 2025-based average at $4,721,393, the smallest annual gain since pre-2022 declines.
  • The union’s average covers 1,046 players and includes 2025 salaries, earned bonuses, and prorated signing bonuses as of Aug. 31.
  • Pay varies sharply by tenure, from $822,589 for players under one year of service to $9.65 million for six-to-seven years and $22.03 million for 11-to-12 years.
  • MLB has not finalized its 2025 average and notes its methodology differs from the union’s calculations.
  • The current labor agreement expires Dec. 1, and the AP reports another lockout appears likely, as analysts also flag roster churn tied to steep final-year arbitration jumps.