In the world of professional sports, the salaries of top-performing athletes often make headlines. Baseball, for example, is one of the highest-paying sports in the world, and many players earn multi-million dollar contracts.
One such player is Max Fried, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Fried recently signed a 1-year contract with the Braves for $13.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in the league.
Understanding athlete salaries can provide insights into the value that professional sports bring to the economy and the factors that contribute to player compensation.
We’ll take a closer look at how much Max Fried makes in a year, compare his salary to other MLB pitchers, and examine some of the factors that affect athlete salaries.
Max Fried’s Current Contract
Max Fried’s current contract with the Atlanta Braves is a 1-year deal worth $13,500,000. This means that Fried will earn a guaranteed salary of $13,500,000 for the 2023 season.
In addition to his guaranteed salary, Fried’s contract also includes an annual average salary of $13,500,000. This figure is calculated by taking the total value of the contract and dividing it by the number of years in the contract, which in this case is 1 year.
Breaking down Fried’s salary for the 2023 season, he will earn his full guaranteed salary of $13,500,000. This means that his weekly salary will be approximately $260,000, assuming a regular season of 52 weeks.
It’s worth noting that his actual weekly salary will be different, as the MLB regular season lasts for 26 weeks, and players do not receive salaries during the offseason.
Comparison to Other Mlb Pitchers
The list of top-paid MLB pitchers can vary depending on the source and the time period analyzed, as salaries can change rapidly due to free agency and contract negotiations.
However, as of the 2023 season, some of the top-paid MLB pitchers include:
Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees) – $36,000,000
Zack Greinke (Houston Astros) – $34,416,667
Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals) – $35,000,000
Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers) – $31,000,000
Trevor Bauer (Los Angeles Dodgers) – $34,000,000
In comparison to these top-paid pitchers, Max Fried’s salary of $13,500,000 may seem modest. However, it’s important to note that Fried’s contract is for only one year, while the contracts of these other pitchers are for multiple years.
Additionally, Fried is still a young player with a relatively short track record in the MLB, while these other pitchers have established themselves as some of the best in the league over several seasons.
Despite these factors, Fried’s salary still ranks relatively high among MLB pitchers for the 2023 season. According to Spotrac, which tracks player contracts and salaries, Fried’s salary ranks 20th among all MLB pitchers.
While this is not at the very top of the list, it’s still a significant achievement for a player early in his career. As Fried continues to perform at a high level, it’s possible that he will receive even more lucrative contracts in the future.
Factors Affecting Athlete Salaries
Performance on the field is one of the most important factors affecting athlete salaries. Athletes who perform at a high level are in high demand and are often able to command higher salaries.
In baseball, for example, pitchers who have high strikeout rates, low earned run averages (ERA), and low walk rates are often among the highest-paid players.Marketability and popularity are also important factors in athlete salaries.
Athletes who have a large fan base or who are particularly marketable may be able to command higher salaries due to the increased revenue they can generate for their team through merchandise sales, sponsorships, and other endorsements.
Team and market size can also play a role in determining athlete salaries. Athletes who play for large-market teams with high revenues may be able to command higher salaries than those who play for smaller-market teams with lower revenues.
Additionally, teams that are competitive and have a track record of success may be willing to pay higher salaries to attract and retain top talent.
Length of contract and free agency are also important factors affecting athlete salaries. Athletes who are in the last year of their contracts or who are about to become free agents may be able to negotiate higher salaries as teams compete to sign them.
Additionally, athletes who sign longer-term contracts may be able to negotiate higher salaries in exchange for committing to their team for a longer period of time.
Overall, athlete salaries are influenced by a variety of factors, including performance, marketability, team and market size, and contract negotiations.
Understanding these factors can provide insights into why certain athletes are paid more than others and can help fans appreciate the value that top athletes bring to the sport.
Comparison of Max Fried’s Salary to Top-Paid MLB Pitchers in 2023
| Pitcher | Team | 2023 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Gerrit Cole | New York Yankees | $36,000,000 |
| Max Scherzer | New York Mets | $34,500,000 |
| Zack Greinke | Houston Astros | $32,000,000 |
| Clayton Kershaw | Los Angeles Dodgers | $31,000,000 |
| Justin Verlander | Houston Astros | $25,000,000 |
| Stephen Strasburg | Washington Nationals | $25,000,000 |
This table shows how Max Fried’s salary for the 2023 season compares to some of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB. While Fried’s salary of $13,500,000 is significantly lower than some of these top earners, it still ranks relatively high among all MLB pitchers.
FAQs
Is Max Fried’s contract guaranteed?
Yes, Fried’s contract is fully guaranteed, meaning that he will receive his full salary for the 2023 season regardless of his performance or any injuries he may sustain.
How do teams determine the length and value of athlete contracts?
Teams typically take into account several factors, including the player’s performance and potential, marketability, and the team’s budget and needs. Contract negotiations can be complex, with agents and team representatives working to find a deal that benefits both parties.
Are there any salary caps in MLB?
No, MLB does not have a salary cap, meaning that teams are free to spend as much as they want on player salaries. However, there is a luxury tax threshold that teams must stay below to avoid financial penalties.
Why are some athletes paid more than others even if their performance is similar?
Factors such as marketability and team/market size can play a role in determining athlete salaries. Athletes who have a large fan base or who play for teams with high revenues may be able to command higher salaries due to the increased revenue they can generate for their team.
Can athletes negotiate their own contracts?
While it’s possible for athletes to negotiate their own contracts, most choose to work with agents who have expertise in contract negotiations and can help them secure the best possible deals.
Conclusion
Max Fried’s current contract with the Atlanta Braves is worth $13,500,000 for the 2023 season. While this salary may seem modest compared to some of the top-paid MLB pitchers, it still ranks relatively high among all MLB pitchers.
Factors such as performance, marketability, team and market size, and contract negotiations all play important roles in determining athlete salaries.
As Fried continues to perform at a high level, it’s possible that he will receive even more lucrative contracts in the future.
