The Money-Saving Mindset of MLB Players
Major League Baseball (MLB) players, despite their substantial salaries, often display a surprisingly frugal approach to spending. This perspective is highlighted through various anecdotes and quotes from athletes who have shared their attitudes towards money management and purchasing habits.
The Guacamole Principle: A Viral Moment
In 2009, pitcher Zack Greinke, the Cy Young Award winner, made headlines when he publicly declared his decision to boycott Chipotle’s guacamole due to pricing changes. Greinke remarked, “I mean, $1.50 is already pretty darn high. So they changed it to $1.80, and I’ll never again get guacamole. It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win.” This sentiment resonates with many in the MLB community, even fifteen years later, where a small side of guacamole now costs $2.65.
Frugal Habits in the Clubhouse
Many MLB players share a commonality in their frugal habits, often stemming from a principle that emphasizes the importance of saving.
- Whit Merrifield: Players frequently tease each other for being unwilling to pay for services like Spotify, despite their lucrative contracts.
- Ryan McMahon: He humorously admits to using a relative’s Spotify account.
- Jake Cronenworth: Prefers driving in silence rather than spending on music.
- Zach Neto: Uses a discounted student account for Apple Music.
In addition, players often rely on family favors for various subscriptions:
- Tanner Scott: Uses his wife’s family’s Netflix account.
- Evan Carter: Shares subscriptions across family lines, including Hulu.
- T.J. McFarland: Was on his parents’ cellphone plan until pressed to move on.
Clothing and Grocery Savings
Frugality extends to clothing and grocery purchases, where many players favor practicality over splurging:
- Matt Strahm: Will only buy clothes out of necessity.
- Joe Musgrove: Approaches clothing purchases like a school supply list, buying only what’s essential.
- Derek Law: Comically admits to being resistant to buying new shirts despite his wife’s insistence.
When it comes to grocery shopping, players like Jesse Chavez express shock at escalating costs, emphasizing coupon-clipping and choosing generic brands:
- Law: Comments on how grocery deals often rope consumers into purchasing more than necessary.
- Steven Kwan: Engages in smart shopping by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Travel and Vehicle Maintenance
When it comes to travel expenses, many players are cautious. Clay Holmes mentions his aversion to paying extra for flights, while Jameson Taillon refuses to pay for additional legroom, stating, “I feel like I’m getting punished for being tall.”
Transportation habits also reveal a tendency to stick with what they know:
- Matt Vierling: Continues to drive his aging college car.
- Paul Sewald: Maintained his first vehicle for 13 years until family needs necessitated an upgrade.
Dining and Recreational Choices
Players’ dining preferences further reflect this frugal mentality:
- Manny Machado: Avoids overpriced wine at restaurants, preferring to consume value-driven options at home.
- Jesse Winker: Critiques rising water prices, noting how shocking it is to pay for something usually taken for granted in the clubhouse.
Conclusion: A Frugal Culture
The culture of frugality among MLB players underscores a complex relationship with money that transcends mere income levels. Many athletes adopt a mindset that prioritizes value and sustainability, allowing them to remain financially wise despite the wealth they accumulate. As they navigate their lifestyles, their frugality stands as a testament to the principle that financial prudence can coexist with the glitz and glamour of professional sports.
