In baseball, a split contract refers to a type of contract that is mainly used for minor league players. It is an agreement between the player and the team where the player is given a different salary depending on whether they are playing in the major leagues or in the minor leagues.
A split contract is designed to provide a financial incentive for minor league players to perform well enough to earn a spot on the major league team. Typically, the player will receive a higher salary if they are on the major league roster and a lower salary if they are in the minor leagues.
The specific details of a split contract can vary depending on the player and team involved. Some contracts may have a fixed salary for both major and minor league play, while others may have a higher base salary for the major league portion of the contract and a lower base salary for the minor league portion.
In addition to the salary split, other terms of the contract may be different depending on whether the player is in the major or minor leagues. For example, a player on a split contract may have different travel allowances or bonuses depending on their league affiliation.
Split contracts can be beneficial for both players and teams. For players, the contract provides a clear financial incentive to perform well and make it to the major leagues. For teams, the contract allows them to maintain control over a promising prospect while still providing them with a reasonable salary in the minor leagues.
In summary, a split contract is a type of contract used in baseball that provides different salary terms depending on whether the player is in the major or minor leagues. These contracts are most commonly used for minor league players and are designed to provide a financial incentive for players to perform well and earn a spot on the major league roster.