BREAKING: The average salary for Major League Baseball (MLB) players has seen a significant slowdown, now rising by just 1.4% in 2025, according to newly released data from the players’ association. This marks the smallest increase since the average salary experienced a decline in four consecutive seasons prior to 2022.
The latest figures reveal that the average MLB salary has reached a record $4,721,393, a notable rebound from the $3.68 million average following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The previous year, 2024, saw a 2.9% rise, while players enjoyed increases of 7.2% in 2023 and 14.8% in 2022, post-lockout.
The current collective bargaining agreement, which has led to an impressive 28.3% average salary increase over the first four seasons, is set to expire on December 1, 2025. Experts warn that another lockout is likely if negotiations do not progress smoothly.
MLB’s figures, which are still pending finalization, differ slightly due to their methodology. The players’ association reported salaries based on 1,046 players on active rosters and injured lists as of August 31, 2025. Notably, the average salary typically peaks on opening day but declines as higher-paid veterans are released throughout the season.
The breakdown of salaries reveals disparities across experience levels. Players with less than one year of major league service averaged $822,589, while those with one to two years earned an average of $1,179,192. Arbitration-eligible players with two to three years of service averaged $1,833,386.
The financial landscape becomes even more pronounced for those with more experience, as averages for arbitration-eligible groups soared to $3,273,039 for three-plus years, $3,932,847 for four-plus years, and $8,019,748 for five-plus years—a critical threshold just shy of free agency.
Players at the six to seven-year mark averaged $9,649,380, peaking at an astounding $22,034,231 for those with eleven to twelve years of service. However, this figure drops to $13,703,052 for six players with over fifteen years of major league experience.
As the MLB prepares for the next phase of negotiations, the implications of these salary trends are significant for players, teams, and fans alike. With the current labor agreement set to expire soon, all eyes will be on the developments in the coming months.
Fans and analysts alike are urged to stay tuned for updates on this evolving story that directly impacts the future of baseball and the financial landscape of the sport.
