The difference between major league players and those in the minor’s when it comes to skill is a small margin, but the pay gap is much more drastic.
According to baseball-reference.com the minimum major league salary is $700,000 while the average pay in the minors is less than $50,000. For some, it’s much less than that.
Major League Baseball has recently agreed to pay minor leaguers more money. This decision is a huge milestone for some, like Chandler Redmond who wasn’t a top pick.
“I’m probably one of the last 32nd rounders out here,” said Springfield Cardinals infielder Chandler Redmond.
Redmond spent time in the Rookie League before being promoted to Springfield in 2021. During that time, he wasn’t making much money.
“Me and my wife were worried and stressed about money all the time,” Redmond said. “We’re living on her income; she’s a nurse and she makes good money.”
The starting salary for double-A players under the old agreement was less than $15,000, forcing Redmond to do extra work in the offseason.
“My days got really long at home. I was training from 9-2 and then it was giving lessons at night,” he said.
Under a new agreement between the league and players, minor leaguers salaries will now at least double at all levels.
“They deserve it. We’re talking about pro players and they have to have more than only enough to go and eat at a restaurant. I think they are deserving of it and I’m very happy that they finally agree upon doing this,” said Springfield Cardinals Manager Jose Leger.
“It’s a great time to be a Minor League Baseball player with the conditions improving for guys. Just to see how much Major League Baseball is caring about minor leaguers more is definitely a good sign,” said Springfield Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy.
For Redmond, it’s a much-appreciated raise.
“For me personally it means everything, I had a son last season,” Redmond said. “Now with me making twice as much money that just eases our stresses so much and it makes it easier on me to play. I don’t have to go about worrying about money.”
