The "Corrupt" MLB Free Agent Market


Before the start of the 2019 MLB season, it was about just 4 weeks prior big stars such as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado had even signed contracts and as of today, two all-star pitchers, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel have yet to sign. MLB fans were upset as they continued on waiting and guessing whether or not these key players were on their way to joining their teams.

In baseball, there is no salary cap. The MLB has still implied the luxury tax which dates back from 1994 which avoids the implementation of a salary cap. Although big-name baseball players are making big bucks, it is argued that they are getting underpaid under the MLB free agency system. Players make a minimum of $545,000 as a rookie in 2018. Teams are able to hold on to players for their first 6 years of playing time. The average age of MLB debuts in 2018 was 24 years old. For the average MLB player who debuted, they won't become a free agent until they are 30 years old. With training and technology advancing, it is more common to see the younger players to perform at their peak at such an early age. With the 6 years or more of MLB service rule, it allows for teams to approach their best players during the league-minimum years. With such rule, it seems free agents will never perform at their best based on their previous years.

In addition, Tony Clark, MLBPA executive director, had hinted that teams had colluded to suppress players salaries as some players claimed they received nearly identical offers in the same week after a quiet couple of months. 

https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/2/21/17035624/mlb-revenue-sharing-owners-players-free-agency-rob-manfred
https://library.fangraphs.com/principles/contract-details/service-time-super-two/
https://deadspin.com/mlbs-luxury-tax-became-a-salary-cap-because-of-decades-1832200596
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2019/2/5/18212150/bryce-harper-manny-machado-new-york-yankees-los-angeles-dodgers-no-spending

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