Last season, MLB introduced in-game interviews during nationally televised games, and the reviews were universally positive. We’re talking about interviews with players while they’re competing in a game, as opposed to players speaking during a rest day.
It was a whole new fan experience to watch and listen as players were interviewed by broadcasters while playing the outfield or warming up for their at-bat. But, naturally, players were hesitant to accommodate the distraction—so there was a nice monetary incentive.
With that in mind, players such as Aaron Judge and Martin Maldonado were paid $10,000 to do in-game interviews, per the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand. The money did not come from ESPN, Fox, TBS, Apple or Peacock. Instead, the MLB and the player’s association footed the bill.
The money comes out of the earmarked joint funds that MLB and the union share. It’s worth noting that the interviews only last a few minutes, making it a pretty good deal for the players.
The in-game interviews have continued in 2023 and don’t appear to be going away anytime soon.
