Cooper Hummel – Houston Astros Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Cooper Hummel has quietly made a name for himself in baseball, bouncing between the minors and majors over the years. In April 2025, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, adding yet another twist to his ongoing journey. Right now, Cooper Hummel earns a salary of $723,800 per year and his estimated net worth is $714,940.

Born in Portland, Oregon on November 28, 1994, Hummel got drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2016. Over the years, he’s played for several organizations and shown off his skills as both a catcher and an outfielder.

Hummel married his wife, Ashley, in 2021. Together, they’ve built a personal life while he keeps navigating the ups and downs of pro baseball.

His recent $740,000 contract lines up with the usual pay for players moving between the majors and minors. He’s currently with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees’ Triple-A team, still grinding for a steady MLB spot and building his career—and his finances.

Early Life and Background

Cooper Everett Hummel was born on November 28, 1994, in Portland, Oregon. He honed his baseball skills with a lot of family support and some pretty key experiences that set him on the path to pro ball.

Family and Childhood

Cooper Hummel grew up in Lake Oswego, just outside Portland. He picked up baseball early, and his natural talent stood out right away.

His parents played a huge part in his development, shuttling him to practices and games all over the Pacific Northwest. That kind of support isn’t always easy to come by.

Growing up in Oregon, Cooper didn’t lock himself into just one position. Instead, he learned to play both outfield and catcher—a mix that’s rare and really helped him later.

The local baseball community in Portland gave him plenty of chances to compete and improve. Coaches in the area often pointed out his work ethic and sharp baseball instincts.

Education and College Baseball

Hummel went to Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego, where he stood out as a baseball player. His high school play caught the eyes of college scouts, leading him to the University of Portland.

At Portland, Cooper worked on his switch-hitting—a skill that would help him stand out professionally. College gave him the space to refine his game and figure out baseball at a higher level.

Playing for the Portland Pilots, Hummel showed leadership and kept improving his stats every season. That steady progress boosted his draft stock.

College baseball’s structure helped Cooper mature, both on and off the field. He learned how to handle the mental side of the game, which isn’t always easy.

Formative Influences and Support System

Cooper picked up a lot from mentors who saw his potential early on. Local coaches in Portland guided him technically, while family members gave him the emotional support he needed.

Coaches encouraged him to play multiple positions, which ended up being a big part of his value as a pro. That early push for versatility made a difference.

His support network wasn’t just family—it included teammates and people in the community who believed in him. Having that kind of backing really helped during tough stretches.

The Portland baseball community takes a lot of pride in Hummel’s success. He’s one of those local kids who actually made it to pro ball, which doesn’t happen every day.

Professional Baseball Career

Cooper Hummel’s path through pro baseball has been anything but straightforward. He’s bounced between organizations, changed positions, and climbed the minor league ladder before making it to the majors.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Milwaukee Brewers picked Hummel in the 18th round (531st overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Portland University. As a late pick, he knew he’d have to work extra hard to reach the majors.

He steadily improved in the minors, building a reputation for getting on base and being patient at the plate. Hummel became known for his disciplined approach, which isn’t all that common.

He started as a catcher but picked up outfield duties as well, making himself more valuable to teams looking for flexibility.

By 2021, Hummel had turned himself into a legit MLB prospect, despite his low draft position. His minor league stats—especially his on-base percentage—caught the attention of several teams.

Major League Debut

After years in the minors, Hummel finally got his shot with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022. That MLB debut was the payoff for six years of grinding it out in the minors.

He faced the usual rookie challenges, splitting time between catcher and outfield. That versatility he’d worked on really came in handy.

His first big league numbers weren’t eye-popping, but that’s pretty normal for new players adjusting to the majors. He still showed flashes of the on-base skills that got him noticed.

Even while sharing outfield time with players like Jarred Kelenic, Hummel kept finding ways to contribute with his flexibility and team-first attitude.

Notable Trades and Team Changes

Hummel’s career took a turn when the Brewers traded him to the Diamondbacks. That move finally gave him a real shot at major league playing time.

After his debut, he got traded again—this time to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners, who were adding outfielders like Teoscar Hernandez, liked Hummel’s ability to play multiple spots.

He later joined the New York Yankees organization, where he’s currently playing. All those trades say a lot about his value as a utility guy and the constant roster moves in pro baseball.

Every offseason, Hummel has had to adapt to new teammates and coaching styles. That kind of flexibility has become a big part of who he is as a player.

Positional Versatility: Outfield and First Base

Hummel’s ability to play all over the field has kept him in the game. He started as a catcher but quickly added outfield to his resume.

He’s become pretty reliable in both corner outfield spots, giving managers more options. When he played with veterans like Pollock, he paid attention and picked up tips on positioning.

Recently, Hummel started playing first base too. That only adds to his value, especially for teams like the Yankees who love multi-positional players.

At 30 years old, Hummel fits the mold of a modern utility player—someone who can step in wherever he’s needed.

Contract History and Financial Overview

Cooper Hummel’s financial journey in baseball shows how he’s navigated the sometimes confusing world of MLB deals. His earnings reflect his performance and the potential teams see in him as he’s bounced around.

Initial Contracts and Signing Bonuses

Hummel started his pro career after the Brewers drafted him in the 18th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Coming out of the University of Portland, he signed for a pretty modest bonus—standard for late-round picks.

Unlike first-rounders who get huge signing bonuses, guys like Hummel usually start with minor league contracts and small bonuses.

That first contract got him into Milwaukee’s system, and his pay went up a bit as he moved from Rookie ball to Triple-A.

Major League Contract Terms

When Hummel made it to the majors with the Diamondbacks, his salary jumped to the MLB minimum, which is the norm for rookies.

Right now, Hummel’s annual salary is $723,800, which reflects his pre-arbitration status. It’s a big jump from minor league pay, but still on the lower end for MLB players.

Because he’s pre-arbitration, the team can renew his contract each year with only small increases until he racks up enough service time for arbitration.

Free Agency Moves and Negotiations

Hummel hasn’t hit full free agency yet, but he’s changed organizations through trades. Those moves have definitely affected his contract situation and what he can earn.

After starting out with the Brewers, he was traded to the Diamondbacks, and later landed with the Yankees. He’s still working to boost his value.

Players in Hummel’s spot usually focus on performing well so they’re in a good position for arbitration, where the real salary jumps happen. His ability to play both outfield and catcher should help him in future negotiations.

He’s still under team control, and free agency is a few years off, depending on how much major league time he racks up.

Net Worth and Earnings

Cooper Hummel’s built up a decent amount of financial stability through baseball, though he’s nowhere near the earnings of MLB’s biggest stars. His contracts, salary increases, and any off-field income all add up to his net worth.

Salary Progression in MLB

Hummel’s current MLB salary is $723,800 per year, with Spotrac listing it a bit higher at $740,000. That’s pretty standard for someone still establishing themselves in the big leagues.

He didn’t get a big signing bonus—no surprise for an 18th-round pick. His early minor league contracts were much lower.

His estimated net worth sits at $714,940, which lines up with his short time in the majors and the way pay scales work in pro baseball.

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Unlike the superstars, Hummel hasn’t landed major endorsement deals. As a utility player who moves between the majors and minors, he’s just not as marketable as the big names.

Players like Hummel usually stick to baseball camps, local events, and maybe some small regional endorsements for extra cash. That might bring in an extra $10,000–$30,000 a year.

Some players try media work or business ventures in the offseason, but there’s no public info showing Hummel’s involved in anything like that.

Comparison to Peers

Hummel’s salary is well below the MLB average of around $4.41 million a year. That’s pretty normal for players who haven’t reached arbitration or free agency yet.

Guys with similar experience and versatility as position players tend to earn about the same as Hummel. His ability to play left field, pinch hit, and catch adds value, though it hasn’t translated into a big paycheck just yet.

For reference, the MLB minimum salary for 2025 is about $720,000, putting Hummel just above that mark. That’s pretty typical for someone with his level of experience and performance.

Personal Life and Interests

Away from the field, Cooper Hummel keeps things balanced. He values time with family, enjoys a mix of offseason activities, and has personal interests that help him unwind between seasons.

Family Connections and Relationships

Cooper Hummel keeps his family close, even with the crazy demands of pro baseball. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, and those Northwest roots still mean a lot to him.

You’ll often spot Hummel’s parents in the stands during his games. They’ve shown up all along his career path.

He doesn’t share much about his personal relationships, but you can tell his family plays a big role in his journey. They stood by him as he moved through different teams, starting with the Brewers organization that drafted him in 2016.

Greg, Cooper’s brother, pops up in interviews now and then. As kids, they played catch in their Portland backyard, and Greg definitely influenced Cooper’s early love for the game.

Baseball just runs in the family. Cooper often credits his dad for getting him into the sport when he was little.

Offseason Activities

During the offseason, Hummel heads back to the Pacific Northwest. He spends time training and getting involved in the local community.

He shows up at baseball clinics, giving back to youth programs around Portland. That’s something he clearly enjoys.

Hummel dedicates a lot of his offseason to strength and skill work. Some players take a total break, but he sticks to a pretty structured training plan so he’s ready for spring.

He works with personal hitting coaches during the winter, always looking to improve as an outfielder and catcher.

Financial planning takes up some of his time too. He’s focused on making the most of his baseball earnings and tries to invest smartly.

You might spot him at MLB charity events in the offseason, which shows how much he cares about the baseball community as a whole.

Settling In New Cities

Moving around has kind of become normal for Hummel. His career has taken him through a bunch of organizations.

The move from the Brewers to the Diamondbacks was his first big relocation. That wasn’t easy, but he managed.

Lately, he’s bounced to the Astros and then over to the Yankees organization. Each time, he’s had to adjust fast to new teammates and cities.

Hummel usually shows up early before reporting dates. He likes to find a place to live and get a feel for the city.

Teammates say he fits into clubhouse culture really quickly, which helps with all the moving around.

His flexible attitude toward city life just matches the adaptability he shows on the field.

Hobbies: Beach and Other Interests

When he’s not playing baseball, Hummel heads outside. He loves the beach—his Instagram sometimes shows off coastal scenes from both coasts during travel or off-days.

Fishing’s another hobby he’s picked up. He goes out with teammates during spring training, whether they’re in Florida or Arizona.

He spends some downtime reading, usually biographies of old baseball legends. Those stories give him a different perspective on the game.

Video games are a go-to for him too. They’re fun, but also a way to compete and hang out with teammates during long road trips.

Brian, a friend from back in Oregon, sometimes joins him for outdoor adventures when baseball gives him a rare break.

Legal and Business Matters

Cooper Hummel’s pro baseball career comes with its own share of legal and business stuff. Contracts, image rights, and financial decisions all play a part. Since he’s still pretty new to Major League Baseball, he faces some unique challenges and opportunities as he figures it all out.

Intellectual Property and Trademark Issues

As Hummel’s MLB profile grows, he has to deal with the tricky world of intellectual property rights. He hasn’t rolled out any big personal branding moves yet, but he keeps control over his name and likeness for merchandise.

The New York Yankees outfielder now has to think about protecting his personal brand as he moves forward. That might mean registering a logo or a catchphrase if he ever goes down that road.

MLB players sign over some image rights to their teams and the Players Association. Those collective bargaining agreements set out how Hummel’s image can show up in:

• Video games
• Trading cards
• Official team gear
• League promos

As his career takes off, he’ll need to keep a close eye on his intellectual property. That’s going to matter more and more for his financial future.

Litigation and Notable Lawsuits

So far, Cooper Hummel hasn’t gotten tangled up in any major lawsuits or legal fights tied to baseball. That’s not always the case for pro athletes—some end up in contract disputes or injury cases.

The baseball world’s seen plenty of big cases about player contracts and rights, and those legal precedents affect everyone, even if Hummel’s not directly involved.

MLB’s arbitration system helps players like Hummel avoid court battles. It gives them a way to settle salary disagreements without needing jury trials or summary judgments.

As he moves forward, Hummel’s legal team will probably focus on avoiding problems before they start. That way, he can keep his mind on baseball instead of legal headaches.

Contract Disputes and Resolutions

Cooper Hummel makes $723,800 per year, which honestly seems about right for a developing player in Major League Baseball. Compared to the big-name veterans, his contract looks pretty modest, and so far, he hasn’t run into any major contract drama.

Major League Baseball uses a structured arbitration system, which lays out how players and teams settle salary disagreements. Players like Hummel can only use this system after they reach certain service time milestones.

When teams and players sit down to talk contracts, they usually look at things like:

• Stats and on-field performance
• How valuable the player’s position is
• Any injury history
• What similar players are making
• The team’s own budget

Hummel has 1.003 years of MLB experience. Pretty soon, he’ll need to make some big decisions as he gets closer to arbitration eligibility. Those negotiations can really shape a player’s financial future.

Most pro athletes bring in specialized sports agents and attorneys when it’s time to negotiate contracts. These folks help hammer out fair deals and try to keep things smooth with team management. That kind of backup gets even more important if a dispute pops up.