The Major League Baseball All-Star game remains one of the few, if not the only, showcase game that nearly all players care about. Upon receiving the nod or even chatter of consideration to join baseball’s elite in the Midsummer Classic, most will cite the game’s rich history, opportunity to play among active Hall of Famers, or the chance to bring home-field advantage back to their contending club.
But, what about the cash, perks and other incentives?
Nearly every professional athlete’s contact includes incentive levels, from stats and appearances to recognitions or awards, although a surprisingly high number of 2014 All-Stars will receive no team bonus. For those receiving nothing, they still are granted a nice perk package, per the MLB Players Association Basic Agreement:
Each player elected or selected to the All-Star team or as a participant in the Home Run Derby and who attends the event shall receive the following: (a) six complimentary tickets to the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby for use by player guests (players may request fewer complimentary tickets and players may purchase additional tickets for guests in accordance with past practice); (b) first-class air transportation for himself and two guests (to the extent that such expenses are actually incurred); (c) first-class hotel accommodations for himself and two guests (up to two rooms, if necessary) for a maximum of three days; (d) the applicable in-season meal and tip allowance for three days; (e) a $1,000 cash stipend; (f) a gift from the player’s League; and (g) merchandise that is made available by Major League Baseball’s 27 business partners. Players elected or selected to the All-Star team also shall receive a ring and, if they are attending their 5th, 10th or 15th All-Star Game as an All-Star, shall also receive a gift/memento and special recognition. (See Article XV(O)(7).)
Here is the full list of payouts for this year’s All-Stars:
$100,000
Adrian Beltre, Michael Brantley, Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler
$75,000
Adam Jones, Matt Wieters
$50,000
Erick Aybar, Mark Buehrle, Robinson Cano, Seattle; Matt Carpenter, Yoenis Cespedes, Nelson Cruz, Yu Darvish, Freddie Freeman, Carlos Gomez, Alex Gordon, Felix Hernandez, Greg Holland, Scott Kazmir, Craig Kimbrel, Jon Lester, Victor Martinez, Yadier Molina, Brandon Moss, Salvador Perez, Aramis Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, Francisco Rodriguez, Julio Teheran, Koji Uehara, Chase Utley, Adam Wainwright
$25,000
Jose Altuve, Madison Bumgarner, Aroldis Chapman, Johnny Cueto, Tim Hudson, Jonathan Lucroy, Andrew McCutchen, Hunter Pence, Glen Perkins, Kurt Suzuki
$15,000
Jose Abreu, Alexei Ramirez, Chris Sale
$10,000
Josh Harrison, Tony Watson
None
Henderson Alvarez, Jose Bautista, Dellin Betances, Charlie Blackmon, Starlin Castro, Tyler Clippard, Josh Donaldson, Sean Doolittle, Edwin Encarnacion, Todd Frazier, Paul Goldschmidt, Dee Gordon, Zack Greinke, Derek Jeter, Clayton Kershaw, Devin Mesoraco, Miguel Montero, Daniel Murphy, Pat Neshek, Derek Norris, David Price, Yasiel Puig, Anthony Rizzo, Tyson Ross, Jeff Samardzija, Max Scherzer, Kyle Seager, Alfredo Simon, Huston Street, Giancarlo Stanton, Masahiro Tanaka, Mike Trout, Troy Tulowitzki, Jordan Zimmermann
Information courtesy of ESPN.com and MLB.com
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