How Much Money Does a Bullpen Catcher Make?
The average salary for a bullpen catcher is estimated to run from $30,000 to $60,000. Public discussion of bullpen catcher salaries is considered taboo in Major League Baseball. The management of each team determines how much salary to pay its bullpen catchers. In addition to a salary, bullpen catchers share in lucrative bonuses paid to team players that participate in postseason playoff games. The playoff pool is worth millions.
Most Major League Baseball teams have at least one bullpen catcher. Several have two on hand, while a couple of teams have none. Many bullpen catchers are former major or minor league players. In this role, catchers help players warm up during practice and for games. If a team has two catchers in the bullpen, one may be assigned to work with team pitchers, while the other works with team hitters.
League playing experience is a big help in the position of bullpen catcher. Flexibility is importance, since a catcher may be asked to do various tasks, such as throwing to outfielders or hitting grounders. Physical stamina also comes into play. It is common to catch up to 200 pitches per day. Other duties that bullpen catchers often perform are rubbing baseballs, keeping ball buckets filled and roving around attending to player needs.
