The average MLB salary is expected to surpass $4 million for the first time when the regular season begins next week, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.
"MLB's revenues have grown in recent years, with the increase in national and local broadcast rights fees being a primary contributor," MLB's chief legal officer Dan Halem told the AP. "It is expected that player compensation will increase as club revenues increase."
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The average salary is projected to be approximately $4.25 million after baseball experienced the largest two-year growth in over 10 years. The average salary previously broke the $1 million in 1992 and $2 million in 2001 before reaching $3 million in 2008. Last year's average was $3.95 million on opening day.
"It isn't just the TV deals," MLB players' union head Tony Clark wrote in an email to the AP. "From the parity on the field to the fan support & business off it (including the national TV contracts), the industry has never been healthier."
This year, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw ranks first among players with a $31 million salary and is followed by Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander at $28 million. The Dodgers' payroll tops the list at about $270 million. The Yankees have the second-highest payroll at $215 million and are followed by the Red Sox at $185 million, the Tigers at $170 million and the Giants at $169 million. The Marlins sit at the bottom of the list at $65 million.