How much does a minor league player make? Historic deal with MLB set to double pay at all levels

After years of criticism for the low pay given to its Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball (MLB) has finally agreed a new collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Players Association that will affect pay at every level of MiLB.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal is for five years and includes a new payment structure for minor league players. The agreement still needs the approval of MLB team owners before it goes into effect.

This historic CBA also establishes a formal grievance system for MiLB players and ensures that there will be no contraction of minor league teams. However, the MLB will be changing the Domestic Reserve List, which places a limit on the number of players an organization can have outside Latin America. The list will now decrease from 180 to 165 in 2024.

Although the details are yet to be announced, this agreement is expected to change the landscape of minor league baseball and provide fairer compensation to players. Passan noted that the agreement is tentative, and the rank-and-file will have to approve it, though.

According to reports, pay increases throughout all Minor League levels have been changed as follows:

* Complex league: From $4,800 per year to $19,800

* Low-A: $11,000 to $26,200

* High-A: $11,000 to $27,300

* AA: $13,800 to $30,250

* AAA: $17,500 to $35,800

Players will be paid almost year-round, aside from a six week break in the winter.

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More details about historic MLB deal

MiLB salaries could go up to at least double of what they used to be.

This new agreement had been expected since late August when the MLBPA sent union authorization cards to minor league players. This move was a significant step towards organizing as a union and putting them in a position to negotiate such an agreement.

For years, MiLB players have received meager salaries and long hours, which were criticized as exploitative by many. This new CBA is a significant step forward in addressing the pay concerns of minor league players and establishing better working conditions for them.