MLB players won’t even pay to read this article: ‘You stay rich by being cheap’ - The Athletic

Frugal MLB Players

This article from The Athletic explores the surprisingly frugal spending habits of many Major League Baseball players. Despite earning millions, many players demonstrate a commitment to saving money in various aspects of their daily lives.

Areas of Frugality

• Streaming Services: Many players share family or friends' Netflix, Spotify, and other streaming service accounts to avoid individual subscriptions.
• Clothing and Possessions: Players often reuse clothing items until they are worn out, are reluctant to buy new clothes unless absolutely necessary, and drive older, well-maintained cars.
• Groceries and Shopping: Many players meticulously compare prices, choosing generic brands and taking advantage of sales. They are even frugal about small purchases, such as bags at the grocery store and avoiding delivery fees.
• Apps and Entertainment: Players avoid paying for app upgrades to remove ads and share accounts to access paid content. Some even avoid paying for subscription services like The Athletic.

The article highlights the players' rationale behind their frugality. Some players emphasize the principle of avoiding unnecessary expenses, while others highlight the practice of saving money for future use.

Quotes

Several notable quotes from players highlight the extent of this trend: "You stay rich by being cheap," said one player. Others shared anecdotes about driving older cars, reusing old items, and foregoing costly extras like extra legroom on flights. A prominent player even shares their reluctance to pay $1 for a subscription to The Athletic.

The article concludes with the observation that many players balance their frugal lifestyle with high-end purchases and high net worth. It's a demonstration of a conscious and deliberate approach to personal finance, emphasizing the importance of long-term savings and mindful spending habits.