MLB Players’ Average Salaries Overview
The latest data from the Major League Baseball (MLB) players’ association reveals that the growth of players’ average salaries has decelerated significantly, rising just 1.4% in 2025. This minor increase, amounting to an average salary of $4,721,393, marks a notable slowdown after a trend of sharper annual increases following years of decline, most notably during the pandemic that led to a $3.68 million average in 2021.
Recent Trends in Salary Growth
Prior to 2025, salary averages surged by 14.8% in 2022 and an additional 7.2% the following year, reflecting a rebound from the 99-day lockout that concluded with a five-year collective bargaining agreement.
In stark contrast to 2021’s figures, the average income for MLB players has risen a remarkable 28.3% in the initial four seasons of the current labor contract, which represents a yearly increase averaging 7.1%. However, with the expiration of this agreement approaching on December 1, another labor dispute is anticipated.
Salary Data Breakdown
The data is derived from the salaries, achieved bonuses, and prorated signing bonuses of 1,046 players listed as active or on the injured list as of August 31. While MLB has not yet finalized its own average salary figure for 2025, the players’ association’s numbers offer a comprehensive snapshot.
A notable point of difference in these calculations stems from timing variations; salaries typically appear higher at the season’s outset and tend to decrease as higher-paid veterans exit the rosters, often being replaced by younger, less-experienced players.
Experience-Based Salary Averages
Examined by experience, players who recently stepped into the league—with less than one year of service—averaged $822,589, while those with 1-2 years earned approximately $1,179,192. Additionally, arbitration-eligible players within the two-to-three-year service range saw an average of $1,833,386, with those not eligible for arbitration averaging $1,374,760.
The average salary continued to scale upwards, reaching $3,273,039 for players with over three years of experience and hitting $8,019,748 for those who have between five and six years.
Players with 6-7 years of service earned an average of $9,649,380, while those with 11-12 years peaked at an impressive $22,034,231. Finally, for the handful of veterans boasting over 15 years in the league, the average salary settled at $13,703,052.
