A baseball contract is an agreement between two or more parities creating obligations that are enforceable or otherwise recognizable at law. In other words, a baseball contract is an employment agreement between a baseball player (the employee) and their respected team (the employer).
At a minimum, when an employer is a Major League Baseball Team, a baseball contract shall comply with the rules under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”). The Collective Bargaining Agreement makes reference to a Uniform Player’s Contract (“UPC”).
Upon reviewing Schedule A, you will notice a baseball contract abiding by the minimum standard for a Uniform Player’s Contract can be divided into specific parts or elements. It is the opinion of Royal Sports Group that the most important elements of a baseball contract should include a reference to the parties involved, an outline of payment owed to the baseball player, a specific reference to the length or time frame the baseball contract is applicable, and a list of “special covenants.”
Again, at a minimum, a baseball contract shall comply with the Uniform Player’s Contract found under Schedule A of the CBA. This is important during the negotiation of a baseball contract because there are certain issues that shall be construed as a standard. This includes issues related to pictures and public appearances, references to other sports, an assignment clause, and issues related to medical information, rules on salary reduction, and a termination clause. Thus, a baseball contract uses a Uniform Player’s Contract as a minimum starting point when offering a baseball contract to a player.
It is the opinion of Royal Sports Group that a baseball contract should be viewed as an employment agreement. Like a career outside professional sports, a baseball player’s career can take many turns, both performance and non-performance related. As a result, you owe it to yourself to enter into a baseball contract that supports you as your career changes and grows. If you need help with this process or are weighing the pros and cons of a baseball contract, please consider contacting Royal Sports Group for help.