Even in the instant replay era, an umpire's decision can change the entire complexion of the World Series. Momentum is everything in October, and pressure is on each umpire to make the correct call every time.
Because the rules of the replay system require the original call on the field to stand if there isn't conclusive evidence in either direction, umpires still have a massive impact on the game. Then, of course, balls and strikes are entirely up to the home plate umpire.
MLB carefully selects its umpires in the postseason, even adding two additional officials to make ensure the entire field is covered and later adding another umpire for both the LCS and the World Series.
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Here's what you need to know about the 2023 World Series umpires and their salaries for the Fall Classic.
How much do MLB umpires get paid for the World Series?
MLB has not publicly revealed how much umpires are paid for their work in the World Series, but a 2010 book by John C. Skipper gives at least partial insight into what kind of money they make.
In the book, "Umpires: Classic Baseball Stories from the Men Who Made the Callsm" Skipper reveals that that umpires who work the World Series get an extra $20,000, plus expenses. In earlier rounds of the playoffs, Skipper said umpires make $17,500 plus expenses.
That $20,000 comes out to about $5,000 per game if the series is a clean sweep and roughly $2,857.14 per game if the series lasts seven games.
Of course, it's entirely possible salaries have risen over the years. Because MLB doesn't disclose the exact figures, it's impossible to know exactly what World Series umpires make in 2023.
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Who are the 2023 World Series umpires?
Seven umpires were assigned to the 2023 World Series between the Rangers and Phillies.
| Umpire | Home plate duties | Total World Series umpired |
| D.J. Reyburn | Game 1 | 1 |
| Quinn Wolcott | Game 2 | 1 |
| Alfonso Marquez | Game 3 | 5 |
| David Rackley | Game 4 | 1 |
| Brian Knight | Game 5 | 1 |
| Vic Carapazza | Game 6 | 1 |
| Bill Miller | Game 7 | 5 |
Alfonso Marquez and crew chief Bill Miller are each making their fifth World Series appearance, while the other five members of the crew are working their first World Series.
How much do MLB umpires make in the regular season?
According to Career Trend, MLB umpires will make between $150,000 and $450,000 per season. The pay rates are based on experience. That means umpires who work deep into the postseason can make as much as $500,000 in a year, depending on their seniority.
MLB employs only 76 full-time umpires, which is why certain names become well-known by fans throughout the league. Miller, for example, is in his 27th season as an MLB umpire, so he is one of many umpires who have carved out a long career behind the plate and everywhere else on the field.
