MLB salary increase slowed to 1.4% in 2025 while setting record at $4.7 million
The latest data from the Major League Baseball Players Association reveals that the average salary for MLB players reached a record high of $4,721,393 in 2025. While this represents a 1.4% increase from the previous year, it is the smallest growth rate recorded in recent years.
In 2024, the average salary rose by 2.9% to $4,655,366 after substantial increases in the preceding years. This upward trend followed a 99-day lockout in 2022, which ultimately led to a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The average salary had previously declined to $3.68 million in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the baseball season.
Since the current labor deal was implemented, MLB players have seen a significant overall increase of 28.3% in their average salary over the past four years, translating to an annual average growth rate of 7.1%. However, with the current agreement set to expire on December 1, another lockout is looming on the horizon.
The player salary figures provided by the union are based on the salaries, earned bonuses, and prorated shares of signing bonuses for 1,046 players on active rosters and injured lists as of August 31. These figures may differ slightly from MLB’s official data due to variations in methodology.
It is important to note that the average salary on opening day tends to be higher than during the season, as higher-paid veteran players are often released and replaced by younger players with less service time. Players with less than one year of MLB service averaged $822,589, while those with one to two years averaged $1,179,192.
For players with two to three years of service who are eligible for salary arbitration, the average salary was $1,833,386, compared to $1,374,760 for those not eligible for arbitration. The top 22% of players in this service class are eligible for arbitration.
As players accumulate more years of service, their average salaries also increase. For instance, players with six to seven years of service had an average salary of $9,649,380, while those with 11 to 12 years peaked at $22,034,231. However, players with 15 or more years of service saw their average salary decline to $13,703,052.
In conclusion, the latest data on MLB player salaries reflects the ongoing financial dynamics within the league. As negotiations for a new labor agreement loom, both players and owners will need to find common ground to ensure the continued growth and success of Major League Baseball.
