Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most popular professional baseball league in the world and is composed of 30 teams. Each team is run by a General Manager (GM), who is responsible for making decisions such as signing players, hiring coaches, and developing strategies to help the team compete. As such, GMs play a crucial role in the success of a team and are highly sought after by owners. But how much does a GM of a MLB team make? This article will explore the salaries of GMs as well as how they are typically determined.
Average Salary of a MLB GM
The average salary of a MLB GM is estimated to be around $1 million per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on the team, a GM’s experience and performance, and other factors. Some GMs have earned as much as $5 million per year, while others make significantly less.
Factors That Influence GM Salaries
There are a number of factors that can influence a GM’s salary, such as:
- Team Performance: A GM’s salary is often linked to the team’s performance. A GM will typically make more if their team is successful and less if their team is struggling.
- Experience: Most GMs have years of experience in the MLB, and their salaries often reflect this. An experienced GM may earn more than a newcomer.
- Market Size: The size of the team’s market can also have a significant impact on a GM’s salary. Teams in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, may have larger budgets and be able to offer higher salaries to their GMs.
- Team Ownership: The team’s ownership is also a major factor in determining a GM’s salary. A team that is owned by a billionaire may be more willing to pay top dollar for a GM than one owned by a smaller group of investors.
GM Salaries Compared to Other Sports Leagues
Compared to other professional sports leagues, MLB GMs typically earn less than their counterparts in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. According to Forbes, the average salary for a GM in the NFL is around $3 million per year, while the average salary for a GM in the NBA is around $4 million and around $2 million for a GM in the NHL.
Average Contract Length for GMs
The average contract length for a MLB GM is typically around three years. This is usually enough time for the GM to make an impact on the team and prove themselves. However, contracts can vary from team to team and some GMs may have shorter or longer contracts.
GMs Who Have Made the Most Money
Some of the highest-paid GMs in MLB history include:
- John Schuerholz: Schuerholz was the GM of the Atlanta Braves from 1991 to 2007 and earned an estimated $10 million over the course of his tenure.
- Brian Cashman: Cashman has been the GM of the New York Yankees since 1998 and is currently the highest-paid GM in the MLB with an estimated annual salary of $6 million.
- Billy Beane: Beane has been the GM of the Oakland Athletics since 1997 and has earned an estimated $5 million per year.
- Theo Epstein: Epstein is the president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs and has an estimated salary of $4 million per year.
GMs Who Have Made the Least Money
On the other end of the spectrum, some of the lowest-paid GMs in MLB history include:
- Dave Dombrowski: Dombrowski was the GM of the Montreal Expos from 1988 to 1991 and earned an estimated $100,000 per year.
- Gene Michael: Michael was the GM of the New York Yankees from 1991 to 1995 and earned an estimated $250,000 per year.
- Dan Duquette: Duquette was the GM of the Boston Red Sox from 1994 to 2002 and earned an estimated $500,000 per year.
- Jeff Luhnow: Luhnow is the current GM of the Houston Astros and earns an estimated $1 million per year.
Benefits of Being a GM
In addition to the salary, there are other benefits to being a GM in the MLB. These include:
- Prestige: Being a GM in the MLB offers a certain level of prestige and respect. As a GM, you will be regarded as one of the most influential people in the sport.
- Flexibility: As a GM, you will have the flexibility to make decisions about the team and shape its future.
- Networking: As a GM, you will have the opportunity to network with other influential people in the sport, such as owners and players.
Conclusion
To sum up, GMs of MLB teams can earn a significant amount of money, with an average salary of $1 million per year. However, the exact salary can vary depending on factors such as team performance, experience, and market size. GMs in the MLB typically earn less than their counterparts in other professional sports leagues, and the average contract length for a GM is usually around three years. Those who become GMs will also enjoy the prestige and flexibility that comes with the job, as well as the ability to network with other influential people in the sport.