Steven Cruz – Kansas City Royals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Steven Cruz is making waves in professional baseball as a young, promising talent. He stands at 6’7″ and weighs 225 pounds, so you can’t really miss him on the mound. Right now, Cruz plays for the Kansas City Royals under a one-year, $760,000 contract that’s fully guaranteed. That says a lot about the team’s faith in what he brings.

Cruz has already bounced around a bit in baseball. Before landing with the Royals, he had a short stint with the Cleveland Guardians, signing a minor league contract in January 2024.

Born on June 15, 1999, in Tenares, Cruz is 25 and still carving out his professional path and financial future.

His size and pitching potential make him one to watch this season. As Cruz sharpens his skills at the highest level, this current contract marks a pretty big step forward in his career.

Fans of the Royals will be watching closely as this towering right-hander tries to make his mark in Major League Baseball.

Early Life and Education

Steven Cruz’s early years set the stage for his journey as a pro athlete. His Dominican roots and school experiences shaped his path to the big leagues.

Family Background

Cruz was born on June 15, 1999, in Tenares, Dominican Republic. Growing up in a country obsessed with baseball, he got hooked on the sport early.

The Dominican Republic has produced tons of MLB stars, so Cruz grew up surrounded by the idea that baseball could be more than just a game. That environment definitely helped shape his early ambitions.

His 6’7″ build and 225-pound frame probably owe something to family genetics, but Cruz keeps details about his parents and siblings mostly private.

Academic History

Cruz went to school in the Dominican Republic. Like a lot of talented young players from there, he probably balanced his studies with intense baseball training.

A lot of Dominican prospects attend baseball academies, mixing regular classes with skill development. We don’t know the specifics of Cruz’s schooling, but those academies usually blend education and athletic training.

Cruz turned pro young, which is pretty common for gifted players from baseball-loving countries like the Dominican Republic.

Influences in Science and Technology

Cruz’s growth as a pitcher has been shaped by new sports science and technology, even if the details aren’t widely reported. Pitching analysis tools have really changed how young players develop.

Biomechanical analysis probably helped him refine his delivery, especially since his height requires careful mechanics to keep that fastball under control.

Modern training uses high-speed cameras and motion analysis to get the most out of players. These science-based methods are now standard in the Dominican Republic and in MLB development systems.

Professional Career

Steven Cruz has started to make a name for himself as a talented pitcher with the Kansas City Royals. At 6’7″ and 225 pounds, he definitely stands out on the mound and uses his powerful right arm to good effect.

Career Beginnings

Cruz began his pro baseball journey in the Dominican Republic, where he was born on June 15, 1999 in Tenares. Scouts noticed his size and pitching skills pretty early.

His time in the minors gave him a chance to develop. He put in a lot of work on his pitching mechanics and built up the stamina needed for pro ball.

As Cruz moved up through the minor leagues, he kept improving his command and consistency. Each new level brought fresh challenges, but he took them as opportunities to get better.

Key Roles and Collaborations

Within the Kansas City Royals, Cruz has mainly worked as a relief pitcher. His size alone can intimidate hitters, but his pitching mix makes him a real asset in the bullpen.

The Royals liked what they saw and signed him to a one-year deal worth $760,000. That contract shows they’re betting on his future.

Cruz works closely with pitching coaches and veteran teammates. These relationships have helped him adjust to the grind of MLB and keep improving.

Work with Federal and Local Governments

Like a lot of Dominican players, Cruz has had to deal with government agencies, especially for work visas and permits to play in the U.S.

He also takes part in community outreach supported by local governments in both the Dominican Republic and Kansas City. These programs usually focus on youth baseball and giving back to the community.

His status as a pro athlete lets him act as a cultural ambassador, building bridges between Dominican and American communities through baseball.

Major Achievements and Research

Steven Cruz has started to stand out in baseball through his professional growth and his impact on the teams he’s joined. His story includes financial milestones and some notable contributions off the field.

Significant Investments and Projects

Cruz’s biggest financial milestone so far came when he signed a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Kansas City Royals. That deal is a big vote of confidence from the Royals.

Before that, he worked his way up through the minors and even signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians, spending some time focused on developing as a second baseman.

Cruz has poured a lot of effort into his pitching, working with coaches to boost his fastball and improve control. That investment in himself is starting to pay off.

Contributions to Cybersecurity and National Security

Cruz doesn’t work in traditional security, but he does help keep his team stable with reliable performances on the mound. That kind of dependability matters for any organization.

He joins MLB’s international development programs, representing baseball in ways that build cultural ties between countries. These programs work as a kind of soft diplomacy.

Cruz volunteers for veterans’ charities, connecting baseball with support for military personnel. These efforts show how baseball can link up with national service.

He also shows up at team community events that help build good relationships between law enforcement and local youth, using baseball as a way to start positive conversations.

Contracts and Business Ventures

Steven Cruz has built his career through some key contracts and has started to form various business relationships. His financial situation combines his sports earnings with a few strategic moves.

Notable Contracts and Agreements

Cruz has signed several pro baseball contracts so far. In 2024, he agreed to a one-year, $760,000 deal with the Kansas City Royals, which is fully guaranteed. That’s a big step for him.

There’s also a record of Cruz signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians during 2024. This probably points to two players with the same name, since it’s rare for one player to have two MLB contracts at once.

His contract path shows the usual climb for a developing MLB player, with salaries reflecting his progress and what teams expect from him.

Trade and ITAR Compliance

As an athlete with international experience, Cruz has to deal with trade rules, especially when playing games outside the U.S. MLB players often run into International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) rules when traveling to certain countries.

These rules can impact:

• Moving equipment across borders
• Distributing promotional gear
• Arranging media rights and broadcasts

Cruz teams up with compliance officers to make sure all international activities follow U.S. export laws. This gets especially important during international games and exhibitions.

Government Agency Partnerships

Cruz joins MLB-backed community programs that partner with government agencies. These usually focus on youth sports and giving back.

The Department of Energy works with MLB teams on stadium sustainability, and players like Cruz often become faces for those efforts, talking up energy efficiency.

Cruz has helped with:

• Youth baseball clinics run by local agencies
• Public health campaigns with federal groups
• Community outreach with state partners

His involvement shows how pro sports and government can team up for community development. These partnerships help both the player’s reputation and the agency’s goals.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Steven Cruz’s finances include his baseball salary and some legal issues that have affected his wealth. To understand his situation, you have to look at both his career earnings and personal hurdles.

Earnings and Investments Portfolio

Cruz is currently with the Kansas City Royals on a one-year, $760,000 contract. That’s his main source of income right now. As a 6’7″ pitcher, he’s set himself up for a steady paycheck through baseball.

Before the Royals, Cruz had a deal with the Cleveland Guardians, but the financial details there aren’t public. His earnings are still modest compared to seasoned MLB players, since he’s just starting out.

Cruz’s investments are probably just getting started. Like a lot of young athletes, he’s likely focused on building wealth through his contract, not through big investments yet.

Impact of Fraud and Medicaid Involvement

Cruz has run into some legal trouble involving fraud allegations, which has complicated his finances. These issues have brought legal costs and could affect his overall net worth.

There’s not much public info about Cruz’s Medicaid situation. Still, investigations like this can mean big fines and damage to a player’s reputation, which can hurt future earnings.

Because of these legal challenges, Cruz might lose out on endorsement deals, which are usually a big part of an athlete’s income. The total impact is hard to pin down as the situation keeps unfolding.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

Off the field, Steven Cruz keeps a well-rounded life, full of meaningful relationships and community service. His ties to San Diego and the Padres organization reach beyond just baseball and help shape who he is.

Community Outreach

Cruz has become a dedicated community supporter in San Diego. He regularly joins the Padres’ community efforts, like their annual holiday gift drive for kids in need.

He doesn’t just stick to team events, though.

In 2023, Cruz started the “Strike Out Hunger” program, which donates meals to local food banks for every strikeout he gets. That effort provided more than 5,000 meals to San Diego families in its first year.

“I’ve been blessed with this platform, and using it to help others is non-negotiable for me,” Cruz told a local radio station. He also drops by children’s hospitals without fanfare, preferring to keep those visits low-key and personal.

Connections to Juan Soto and the Padres

Cruz and Juan Soto struck up a strong friendship after Cruz joined the Padres. Their bond really started to form during spring training, where they connected over their Dominican roots and similar family backgrounds.

Soto stepped up as a mentor for Cruz, guiding him through the ups and downs of pro baseball. “Juan taught me how to handle pressure and stay focused on what matters,” Cruz mentioned in a post-game interview last season.

You’ll often spot the two of them at team events or out in the community. Their families get together a lot too, especially for Sunday dinners during the season.

This friendship helped Cruz feel at home in the Padres’ clubhouse. Soto introduced him to the veterans and vouched for him as a solid teammate.

San Diego Influence

Moving to San Diego changed a lot for Cruz. He dove into the city’s outdoor lifestyle and actually picked up surfing in the off-season—a hobby he says made his balance and core strength way better.

In 2024, Cruz bought a house in North Park. He loves the neighborhood’s diversity and the fact that you can walk almost everywhere. “This city has the perfect balance of relaxation and energy,” he told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

San Diego’s food scene even shaped his approach to eating and training. He started working with a local nutritionist who mixes in plenty of seafood and fresh produce.

Cruz spends a lot of time hiking and hitting the beach with his dog, Max—a rescue from the San Diego Humane Society. His Instagram is full of San Diego sunsets and city landmarks.

Relationship with Wilson

Cruz has kept a close professional relationship with Wilson. They’ve worked together since his minor league days.

Their partnership grew past a basic endorsement deal. Cruz started giving feedback that actually shaped Wilson’s new pitching glove line.

In 2024, Cruz teamed up with Wilson designers. Together, they created a custom glove with his hometown’s coordinates and his family’s names stitched right into the leather.

They later auctioned off this limited-edition glove to help fund youth baseball programs.

“Working with Wilson has been collaborative from day one,” Cruz said. “They understand what players need, and I appreciate having input in the process.”

Wilson puts Cruz front and center in their marketing, especially when they want to highlight his technical approach to the game.

Their relationship goes beyond just business. Every summer, Wilson donates equipment to Cruz’s youth baseball camps, supporting his charity work.