Even with similar performance, minor league players of color are promoted at lower rates than white players

Average statistics of 2,000 matched pairs of similar hitters, one white and one player of color, from 2000-2019

Players of color

White players

Performance

Promotion

.350

.300

.250

.200

.150

.100

.050

0

Batting

average

On-base

%

Slugging

%

Promotion

rate

Players of color

White players

Performance

Promotion

.350

.300

.250

.200

.150

.100

.050

0

Batting

average

On-base

%

Slugging

%

Promotion

rate

Players of color

White players

Performance

Promotion

.350

.300

.250

.200

.150

.100

.050

0

Batting

average

On-base

%

Slugging

%

Promotion

rate

Performance

Promotion

Players of color

White players

.350

.300

.250

.200

.150

.100

.050

0

Batting average

On-base %

Slugging %

Promotion rate

Performance

Promotion

Players of color

White players

.350

.300

.250

.200

.150

.100

.050

0

Batting average

On-base %

Slugging %

Promotion rate

Guardian graphic. Source: Analysis of SABR minor league data by Rob Arthur. Note: Promotion rate is the percentage of players who are moved up a level each year.