UNLV-Econ-WPS-2026-010
MLB Speed Premium
Working paper notice: This paper is a preliminary research output. It has undergone editorial screening but has not undergone external peer review. It may be revised.
Paper record
- Issue
- Spring 2026
- Repository issue
- Volume 3, Issue 2
- Series number
- UNLV-Econ-WPS-2026-010
- Citable publication date
- OAsis online date
- Current version
- Current version ·
- Research field
- Labor Economics and Demography
- Pages
- 1-10
Abstract
This study analyzes if the 2023 rule changes affected the valuation for speed in the MLB labor market. By using a log-linear wage model and including an interaction term for stolen bases and the post-2023 indicator, we test to see if there is a speed premium in salaries. After accounting for yearly effects, the results present a statistically significant increase in the marginal value of stolen bases after the rule change shock. A placebo test was used with home runs to confirm the effects were specific to speed related metrics. The results suggest that the MLB market has and is adjusting to the new speed incentives created by the rule changes.
Keywords
MLB, Stolen Base, Labor Market Shock
Version history
- Current version Current