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MLB Pre-Arbitration Bonus Pool: Top Players And Payouts

Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz steals second base during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Monday, July 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Baltimore shortstop Gunnar Henderson is set to receive the highest amount from this season's $50 million pre-arbitration bonus pool based on his regular-season performance. According to WAR calculations through July 7, Henderson is projected to receive $1,325,021, leading the list of players.

Following Henderson, Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is expected to receive $1,192,410, with Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz at $846,669, Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan at $820,588, Boston outfielder Jarren Duran at $711,444, and right-hander Tanner Houck at $658,258.

Notably, players like Witt, De La Cruz, Henderson, Kwan, Duran, Houck, and others have been selected to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game.

The pre-arbitration bonus pool was established as part of the 2022 collective bargaining agreement to provide additional compensation to players who do not yet qualify for salary arbitration. A total of 100 players will benefit from this pool, with a service time cutoff of 2 years and 118 days of major league experience.

Bonuses based on regular-season performance and WAR calculations.
Gunnar Henderson projected to receive highest bonus from $50M pool.
Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Steven Kwan, Jarren Duran, Tanner Houck also top earners.

It is important to note that foreign professional signees are not eligible for these bonuses. The distribution of funds is based on a formula agreed upon by a management-union committee, with a significant portion allocated based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metrics.

Additionally, a portion of the pool will be allocated to award winners, with MVP or Cy Young Award recipients earning $2.5 million, and other accolades such as Rookie of the Year and All-MLB team selections also receiving monetary rewards.

Overall, the pre-arbitration bonus pool serves as a mechanism to provide financial support to young players in the league, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their contributions to the sport.

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