Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way as baseball salaries hit record high
Average income for players in the new season is projected to breach US$4 million for the first time, with Los Angeles Dodgers leading the way
Even before the first pitch of the 2015 season is thrown, an eye-popping Major League Baseball record will be set.
The average salary when opening-day rosters are finalised on Sunday will break the US$4 million benchmark for the first time, according to a study. Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw tops players at US$31 million and Los Angeles expect to open the season with a payroll at about US$270 million, easily a record.
"We're enjoying a tremendously bountiful season in baseball," said Toronto pitcher RA Dickey, the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner with the New York Mets.
From the parity on the field to the fan support and business off it [including the national TV contracts], the industry has never been healthier
Fuelled by the largest two-year growth in more than a decade, the average salary projects to be about US$4.25 million, according to an Associated Press study, with the final figure depending on how many players are put on the disabled list before the first pitch is thrown. That is up from US$3.95 million on the first day of last season and US$3.65 million when 2013 began.
"MLB's revenues have grown in recent years, with the increase in national and local broadcast rights fees being a primary contributor," said Dan Halem, MLB's chief legal officer.
"It is expected that player compensation will increase as club revenues increase."
Baseball's average was approximately US$50,000 in 1976, the last year before free agency. Back then, many players took off-season jobs to pay their bills.