Professional baseball is filled with bright lights and big contracts, but the reality of life for a minor league player is very different, as it is the stage where the future figures of MLB must push themselves to the limit.
While Major League stars enjoy million-dollar contracts and global fame, players trying to make their way through the minors face a much bleaker landscape, though it has improved in recent years.
Until 2019, there were salaries that in many cases didn’t exceed $1,000 a month, forcing athletes to fight not only for a spot in the league but also for their daily survival. However, this has changed radically.
How much do minor league baseball players make?
Minor league baseball players’ salaries vary depending on the level. Those in the lower leagues, such as rookie and short-season leagues, have seen a significant increase by 2024, with higher earnings.
Baseball America reported that in recent years, their earnings in the league have been growing considerably, also having some additional income such as per diems, which are not paid during the “dead period”.
From December to January, their organizations cannot contact them, so they typically do not receive payment. Check out the base salary of minor league players and how it has been increasing from 2019 to 2024:
| Level | 2019 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Rookie-level | $3,480 | $4,800 | $19,800 |
| Low-A | $6,380 | $11,000 | $26,200 |
| High-A | $6,380 | $11,000 | $27,300 |
| Double-A | $7,700 | $13,800 | $30,250 |
| Triple-A | $11,044 | $17,500 | $35,800 |
During the offseason, their income can be quite limited. However, their playing conditions, including housing and nutrition, have greatly improved in recent years, becoming some of the most important factors.
It’s important to note that minor league players only receive these salaries during the season, meaning their pay is distributed over about five to seven months of the year, according to sources like Baseball America and MiLB.