USA – Pitching wins championships but it pays to be a slugger according to the Average 2008 Salaries By Position which was recently released by the Major League Baseball Player Association.

Designated hitters (8) with 80 or more games in the DH slot topped the average salary with a whopping $7,506,036. First Basemen (24) playing in 100 or more games at the position also were paid well at an average salary of $7,118,519 while another slugging position – third base – had 22 players earn an average salary of $6,588,419.

21 Shortstops competing in a minimum of 100 games at the position pulled in an average salary of $4,978,402 this past season followed by 79 outfielders whose salaries averaged $4,756,936. Catchers (21) and second basemen (18) rounded out the field of position players earning an average salary of $3,676,514 and $3,547,171, respectively, in 2008.

128 starting pitchers with 19 or more starts averaged salaries of $4,429,366 while 198 relief pitchers with 10 or fewer starts and 24 or more relief appearances had salaries averaging $1,859,796.

Deferred income without interest is discounted 9% per year.

2008 MLB AVERAGE PLAYER SALARIES
$7,506,036 – Designated Hitter
$7,118,519 – First Base
$6,588,419 – Third Base
$4,978,402 – Shortstop
$4,756,936 – Outfield
$4,429,366 – Starting Pitcher
$3,676,514 – Catcher
$3,547,171 – Second Base
$1,859,796 – Relief Pitcher

Source: Major League Baseball Players Association

Tags: Salaries