Regression analysis of fielders by RE models.

Based on the longitudinal data of 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams over seasons from 2017 to 2020, we used random effect (RE) models to conduct regression analyses on the detailed data of pitchers and fielders. Cultural distance (CD) was measured in terms of Hofstede’s cultural indicators and Global Preference Survey (GPS) data. The results showed that salary premiums for foreign MLB players existed and CD was significantly positively correlated with salaries. Further, the risk preference (/altruism) difference between foreign pitchers and American pitchers was significantly positively (/negatively) correlated with the salaries of foreign pitchers. Salary estimation data showed that the salary premium was nearly 20% for players from South Korea and Panama, the lowest (only 0.11%) for players from Australia, and only 6.13% for players from Dominican Republic (accounting for the largest proportion of foreign MLB players), indicating that the MLB’s foreign player recruitment policy is correct.

本研究基于2017至2020赛季美国职业棒球大联盟（Major League Baseball, MLB）30支球队的纵向数据，针对投手与野手的详细数据集，采用随机效应（Random Effect, RE）模型开展回归分析。文化距离（Cultural Distance, CD）以霍夫斯泰德文化维度指标与全球偏好调查（Global Preference Survey, GPS）数据进行测算。研究结果显示，美国职棒大联盟外籍球员存在薪资溢价现象，且文化距离与球员薪资呈显著正相关。进一步分析表明，外籍投手与美国本土投手的风险偏好（利他主义）差异，分别与外籍投手薪资呈显著正（负）相关。薪资估算数据显示，来自韩国与巴拿马的球员薪资溢价接近20%，来自澳大利亚的球员薪资溢价最低（仅0.11%），而占外籍球员比例最高的多米尼加共和国球员薪资溢价仅为6.13%，这表明美国职棒大联盟的外籍球员招募政策具备合理性与有效性。