NEW YORK (AP) — The rate of increase for Major League Baseball’s average salary slowed to 1.4% last year while setting a record average at $4,721,393, according to final figures from the players’ association. The increase was the smallest since the average dropped in four straight seasons before 2022. The average rose 2.9% in 2024 to $4,655,366 after increases of 7.2% in 2023 and 14.8% in 2022, following a 99-day lockout that led to a five-year collective bargaining agreement. After declining