It depends on how highly they’re drafted. If they’re drafted in early rounds, they get serious signing bonuses. They’re not only making the $14K. Plus, if they’re a hot prospect who goes to the majors, they will be richly compensated.Who is better off, the baseball player who foregoes college and signs a professional contract or a D1 Football player? If the baseball player is decent and plays AAA ball, he'll make a staggering $14,000 a year while he cruises in luxury around in a bus dining on fast food and waffle house. Also, they don't get paid at all during the off season or for spring training. Is that the kind of progress we are hoping for these kids to make?
If they fail, there are other sports they can try or get a real job.