(NEXSTAR) – Participating in the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby is undoubtedly an honor. In addition to some bragging rights, it also comes with a monetary bonus.
Per the MLB’s latest collective bargaining agreement, players elected or selected to the All-Star Game or the Home Run Derby receive six complimentary tickets for guests, first-class flights for themselves and two guests, first-class hotel accommodations for themselves and two guests, meal and tip allowances for three days, a $1,000 cash stipend and a gift from the league.
Additionally, players on the All-Star teams receive a ring. Those attending their fifth, 10th, or 15th game as an All-Star also receive a gift or memento and special recognition, according to the CBA.
Some players will have already secured certain payouts before the game.
According to the CBA, the top vote-getting player at each position (that includes the three outfielders with the most votes) in both the National League and American League receive $15,000 each. Those with the second-most votes (excluding outfielders) receive $5,000, and the third receives $2,500.
That includes Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Atlanta Braves shortstop Ronald Acuña Jr., both of whom received the most votes in their respective leagues.
A highlight of the All-Star Game is, sometimes, players who are mic’d up. Those players receive a stipend for their participation, per the CBA. This year, it’s $10,000, but that is set to increase to $15,000 in 2024.
Players – at least those who were available to play – on the roster of the winning All-Star Game team split an $800,000 bonus, which breaks down to about $25,000 each.
There’s a chance at an even bigger payout for Home Run Derby players.
The overall winner receives $1 million, with the second-place player taking home half that. Six other players who participate in the Derby get $150,000. Whoever hits the furthest home run will win $100,000, according to the CBA.
These payouts differ from postseason bonuses which are calculated based on a pool of funds created by ticket sales.
In the NFL’s Pro Bowl, nearly comparable to the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, players receive $88,000 if they win (more than if they participated in last year’s Super Bowl) or $44,000 if they lose. Both payouts are set to increase to $116,000 and $58,000, respectively, by 2030.
The winner of the Super Bowl – most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs – took home $157,000 while the losers, the Philadelphia Eagles, earned $82,000.
I'm an avid enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of Major League Baseball (MLB) and its intricacies. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, delving into the nuances of the game, player contracts, and the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that govern the league.
In the recent article by Addy Bink dated July 9, 2023, several key concepts related to the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are discussed. Let me break down the information and provide additional context:
-
MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby Benefits:
- Players selected for the All-Star Game or Home Run Derby enjoy various perks, including six complimentary tickets for guests, first-class flights, first-class hotel accommodations, meal and tip allowances for three days, a $1,000 cash stipend, and a gift from the league.
- All-Star Game participants receive a ring, and those reaching milestones (fifth, 10th, or 15th game) get special recognition and gifts.
-
Top Vote-Getters In Each Position:
- The CBA outlines financial rewards for players based on fan votes. The top vote-getter at each position in both the National League and American League receives $15,000. Second and third highest vote-getters get $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.
-
Mic'd Up Players:
- Players who are mic'd up during the All-Star Game receive a stipend. In the current year, it's $10,000, with plans to increase it to $15,000 in 2024.
-
Winning All-Star Game Team Bonus:
- Players on the winning All-Star Game team share an $800,000 bonus, translating to approximately $25,000 per player.
-
Home Run Derby Payouts:
- The Home Run Derby winner earns $1 million, the second-place player gets half of that, and six other participants receive $150,000 each. An additional $100,000 goes to the player hitting the furthest home run.
-
Comparison with NFL Pro Bowl and Super Bowl:
- Contrasting the MLB payouts, the NFL Pro Bowl winners receive $88,000, set to increase to $116,000 by 2030. Super Bowl winners and losers earned $157,000 and $82,000, respectively, in the most recent instance.
Understanding the financial incentives and rewards associated with the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby provides insights into the MLB's commitment to recognizing and rewarding its top talents, making these events not only prestigious but also financially lucrative for the players involved.
