How Much Do Double-A Baseball Players Make in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · May 20, 2051

Double-A baseball players in Minor League Baseball typically earn between $13,860 and $27,000 annually, with most earning around $19,800 per season as of 2025. This pay reflects a full-season schedule from April through September, with recent increases due to MLB's restructuring of the minors to improve player compensation and working conditions.

Understanding Double-A Baseball Salaries

Double-A (AA) is the third-highest level in Minor League Baseball, just below Triple-A and above High-A. Players at this level are often considered serious prospects for Major League call-ups or are refining their skills after setbacks. Despite their proximity to the majors, AA players are not highly paid compared to professional athletes in other sports or even Major League Baseball (MLB) players.

What Determines a Double-A Player's Salary?

League and Team Affiliation: Salaries can vary slightly depending on which AA league a player is in (e.g., Eastern League, Southern League, Texas League).
Experience Level: First-year AA players may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while veterans or rehabilitating MLB players may receive additional stipends.
Signing Bonus Background: Players who received large signing bonuses out of high school or college may have different financial expectations but do not receive higher base salaries in AA.
MLB Organizational Structure: Since 2021, MLB has taken direct control of the minor leagues, standardizing pay across levels.

Historical Changes in Minor League Pay

Prior to 2021, many minor leaguers earned poverty-level wages, sometimes less than minimum wage when factoring in hours worked. In response to criticism and advocacy, MLB implemented significant changes:

Increased minimum weekly salary across all levels.
Improved housing and travel conditions.
Provided health benefits and retirement plans.
Extended pay periods to cover more of the year (including spring training).

Current Salary Structure in Double-A Baseball

As of the 2025 season, the standardized weekly salary for Double-A players is $600, amounting to approximately $19,800 for a 33-week season. This represents a substantial improvement over pre-2021 levels, when AA players earned around $10,000–$12,000 per year.

Minor League Level	Weekly Salary (2025)	Estimated Annual Pay (33 wks)	Housing Provided?	Per Diem (Daily Meal Allowance)
Triple-A	$700	$23,100	Yes	$125
Double-A	$600	$19,800	Yes	$125
High-A	$500	$16,500	Yes	$125
Single-A	$400	$13,200	Yes	$125
Rookie/Complex	$400	$13,200	No (but dorm-style housing)	$35

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that Double-A players earn a standardized $600 per week, ranking second-highest among minor league tiers. With housing now fully covered by teams and a consistent $125 daily per diem during the season, overall compensation has improved significantly. However, these salaries remain modest, especially considering the physical demands and time away from family.

How Double-A Salaries Compare to Other Levels

While Double-A offers better pay than lower levels, the jump to Triple-A ($700/week) and especially the majors (minimum $780,000 in 2025) is enormous. Most AA players understand their current salary is temporary, but financial stress remains a reality for those without outside support.

Key Differences Between AA and Higher Levels

Call-Up Potential: AA players are frequently promoted to Triple-A or even the majors, especially during injury replacements.
Bonus Structures: Unlike MLB, there are no performance bonuses in the minors unless negotiated separately (rare).
Season Length: All full-season affiliates play roughly 140 games, so pay differences are based solely on weekly rates.

Do All Double-A Players Earn the Same?

Most do. The standardization means nearly all non-contracted players at the AA level earn $600 per week. Exceptions include:

Rehabilitating MLB players on assignment—these players continue to earn their major league salary.
International veterans signed to minor league deals with guaranteed money—though rare at AA.
Players with unique contract incentives (very uncommon in the minors).

For the vast majority, however, the $19,800 annual figure is accurate and consistent across organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double-A Baseball Salaries

How much do Double-A baseball players make per month?

Double-A players earn approximately $1,650 per month during the season, based on a $600 weekly salary over a 33-week season from April to September. There is no official pay during the offseason unless a player has a separate job or endorsement deal.

Are Double-A players paid during the offseason?

No, Double-A players are not paid during the offseason. Their contracts cover the regular season only (spring training through early September). Some players take offseason jobs or rely on savings, while top prospects may receive stipends from their organization for training.

Do Double-A players get per diem and housing?

Yes, as of 2025, all Double-A players receive free, team-arranged housing and a $125 daily per diem for meals and incidental expenses during the season. This marks a major improvement from pre-2021 conditions when many players had to share apartments and pay out of pocket.

How does Double-A pay compare to independent league baseball?

Independent league salaries vary widely, but average $1,500–$3,000 per month, sometimes exceeding AA pay. However, independent leagues do not offer housing or healthcare, and lack a clear path to the majors. While some indy league players earn more, AA provides better long-term career opportunities and benefits.

Can a Double-A player get called up to the MLB?

Yes, Double-A players are frequently called up to Major League rosters, especially during injuries or roster expansions in September. Many MLB debuts come directly from AA, particularly for top prospects. Once called up, players earn the MLB minimum salary of $780,000 (in 2025), a massive increase from minor league pay.