Ryan Cusick – Athletics Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ryan Cusick stands out as a young pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization. At 25, the right-hander is a towering 6’6″ and weighs 235 pounds, which gives him a pretty intimidating presence on the mound.

The Atlanta Braves picked him in the first round (24th overall) in 2021 out of Wake Forest University. Since then, Cusick has been grinding his way through the minor leagues, trying to prove himself.

Ryan Cusick’s current net worth is estimated at $2,700,000, though he’s still developing at the minor league level. Born on November 12, 1999, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Cusick is the kind of high-upside pitching prospect every team wants. His path from college standout to pro prospect shows just how much patience baseball development demands.

Right now, Cusick sits on the Athletics’ 40-man roster. That move signals the organization believes he could be something special.

With his size and draft status, plenty of baseball insiders are paying close attention to see if he can turn all that potential into actual major league success. His progress is definitely a bright spot in Oakland’s rebuilding farm system.

Early Life and Background

Ryan Cusick’s road to professional baseball started well before his first-round selection. The early years shaped the disciplined pitcher he’s become.

Family and Upbringing

Cusick was born on November 12, 1999 in Sudbury, Massachusetts. He grew up in an environment that really encouraged his athletic talents.

Details about his parents aren’t widely public, but you can see their influence in how he approaches the game. He’s developed a disciplined routine and takes his work seriously.

At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Cusick always looked like a power pitcher. Growing up in Massachusetts exposed him to New England’s baseball culture—people there care a lot about sports.

His family’s support made it possible for him to chase baseball from a pretty young age.

Education and Baseball Beginnings

Cusick’s baseball journey picked up steam during high school. He started to show the pitching talent that would later define his career.

College scouts took notice of his performances. He chose Wake Forest University, which ended up being a huge decision for his development.

At Wake Forest, Cusick sharpened his pitching against tough competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference. That’s one of the best conferences in college baseball.

He kept getting better throughout college, eventually landing among the top pitching prospects for the 2021 MLB Draft.

Values and Leadership Traits

Cusick has shown a lot of resilience, especially when dealing with the pressure of being a hyped prospect. This mental toughness has helped him get through tough stretches.

He approaches the game with a strong work ethic. Coaches and teammates have noticed how eager he is to learn and adapt.

Cusick leads mostly by example, not by being the loudest guy in the room. His steady preparation sets the tone for others.

He pitches with a quiet confidence, staying calm even when things get tense. That kind of poise says a lot about the maturity he’s built up over the years.

Professional Baseball Career

Ryan Cusick’s professional career kicked off when the Atlanta Braves drafted him in the first round in 2021. Since then, he’s put up some promising minor league performances and built a reputation as a hard-throwing righty with real upside.

Draft and Minor League Journey

The Braves took Cusick 24th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. He’d just wrapped up a strong college career at Wake Forest.

Cusick made an immediate impression in the minors with his big fastball and developing off-speed stuff. His time with the Braves didn’t last long, though.

Atlanta traded him to the Oakland Athletics in a major deal. That move put him in a rebuilding system where his development became a key focus.

Cusick worked his way through various minor league levels. He spent a good chunk of time with the Midland RockHounds, continuing to work on his pitches and command.

Major League Debut and Team Contributions

Cusick’s persistence paid off when the Athletics selected his contract in November 2024. That call-up marked a big milestone after years of grinding in the minors.

He’s now working to establish himself against major league hitters. Cusick has already shown flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick.

He hasn’t faced some of the AL West’s traditional rivals like the Astros or Blue Jays yet, but he’s embraced the challenge of taking on some of the league’s top hitters. Fans and analysts are keeping a close eye on his progress as Oakland rebuilds.

Pitching Style and Notable Achievements

Cusick’s pitching style is all about power and presence. At 6’6″, he uses his height to get a steep angle on his fastball, which can hit the upper 90s.

His arsenal features:

• A power fastball with late movement
• A breaking ball that’s getting sharper
• A changeup he’s still developing

He’s always been able to rack up strikeouts. Coaches like how committed he is to improving his command.

Cusick has found particular success against right-handed hitters, using his breaking pitches to get swings and misses.

He’s grateful for the shot at the majors and values working with coaches and veteran pitchers. Cusick knows there’s still a lot to learn, but he’s eager to make the most of his tools.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

Ryan Cusick’s financial story in pro baseball includes his draft signing bonus, current contract, and where his salary fits into the team’s budget. His contract path looks pretty typical for a young pitcher working through the minors.

Draft Signing and Initial Contract

Cusick entered pro baseball as the Atlanta Braves’ first-round pick (24th overall) in 2021. When he signed, Cusick agreed to a signing bonus of $2.7 million, just a bit under the slot value of $2,831,300.

That bonus gave the Braves a slight discount, but it was still a big payday for Cusick. His minor league contract followed the standard setup for first-rounders, and it put him on the 40-man roster timeline depending on how quickly he developed.

As a college arm, people expected him to move up the system pretty fast.

Current Contract Terms and Salary Breakdown

Now, Cusick is under contract with the Oakland Athletics. After the trade, he’s continued to develop as a prospect, earning a minor league salary.

Here’s what his current deal looks like:

• Annual Salary: League minimum for minor leaguers
• Contract Length: 1-year contract with the Athletics
• Signing Bonus: None for this contract
• Total Net Worth: About $2.7 million, mostly from his original signing bonus

On November 19, 2024, the Athletics selected Cusick’s contract from the Midland RockHounds. That move was a big step up for his career and finances.

Luxury Tax Considerations

For the Oakland Athletics, Cusick’s contract doesn’t really affect their luxury tax situation right now. As a young, developing player, his salary is way below the threshold that would cause any tax concerns—especially for a team that’s careful with spending.

The A’s love cost-controlled talent, and Cusick fits that perfectly. Young pitchers on pre-arbitration deals give teams a lot of value for the money.

If Cusick sticks in the majors, he’ll earn the league minimum for a few years before he’s eligible for arbitration. That’s a good setup for the team and gives him a chance to prove himself.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Ryan Cusick has built most of his wealth through baseball. His contract is the main piece, but he’s started to branch out a bit.

Estimated Net Worth

Cusick’s net worth sits at about $2.7 million, thanks mostly to his original signing bonus with the Braves. When he got drafted 24th overall in 2021, he signed for $2.7 million, just under the slot value.

As a minor leaguer with the Athletics, Cusick’s current salary is pretty modest by MLB standards. Minor league salaries aren’t always public, but players typically make between $400-$700 a week during the season, depending on their level and experience.

Now that he’s on the Athletics’ 40-man roster, he might get some extra financial perks compared to non-roster players.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Cusick hasn’t broken through at the major league level yet, but he’s started exploring endorsement opportunities. As a 6’6″ power pitcher with a big fastball, he’s got an appealing profile for baseball gear companies.

He’s picked up some local endorsements in minor league towns, like appearances at sporting goods stores and community events. These gigs usually offer some extra cash.

Equipment deals, especially with glove and pitching gear brands, make the most sense for someone like Cusick. These partnerships usually mean free equipment and a little financial boost.

Investment and Financial Planning

Like a lot of young athletes, Cusick probably works with financial advisors who help manage sudden wealth. That big signing bonus needs careful planning to last.

Athletes often invest in real estate, which can provide a home base during the season and maybe some rental income or property appreciation over time. With ties to Massachusetts, Atlanta, and Oakland, Cusick has some options for where to put down roots.

Some minor leaguers pick up off-season jobs to supplement their income. Given his Wake Forest background, Cusick could coach during the winter, which would bring in a little money and help his reputation in baseball circles.

Off-Field Impact and Personal Life

Off the field, Ryan Cusick has tried to make a difference in the baseball community. His actions away from the mound say a lot about his values.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Since his college days at Wake Forest, Cusick has quietly built a reputation for giving back. In the minors, he’s joined several team-organized outreach programs, working with youth baseball groups wherever he’s played.

In Oakland, Cusick has teamed up with other Athletics players to visit local schools and promote both education and physical activity. He’s especially interested in programs that get baseball equipment to kids who might not otherwise have access.

“I believe everyone should have access to the game that’s given me so much,” Cusick said at a 2024 equipment donation event.

His philanthropy is still modest, but it’s purposeful and reflects where he is in his career.

COVID-19 Initiatives and Resilience

When the pandemic hit in 2020 and threw baseball operations into chaos, Cusick showed some serious resilience throughout his college career.

He switched up his training routine and found ways to keep developing, even though facilities shut down and the season just vanished.

Around that time, Cusick also got involved in COVID-19 relief work with Wake Forest athletics.

He hopped on virtual calls with hospital patients and helped out at food drives for families who were struggling because of the pandemic.

Those tough months really changed how Cusick thinks about his career.

“The pandemic taught me not to take any opportunity for granted,” he said in a minor league interview.

“Every day I get to play this game is something to approach with gratitude.”

Recognition and Personal Values

Teammates and coaches always point out Cusick’s work ethic and character.

He commits fully to the team’s values, and that attitude earned him recognition in the Athletics’ minor league system for his conduct.

Cusick keeps his personal life pretty private.

Still, he’s talked a bit about how much his family’s support has meant to him during his baseball journey.

He often credits his parents for teaching him the values that shape how he approaches both baseball and life.

Even though his profile keeps rising in the baseball world, Cusick stays grounded.

You’ll find him at committee meetings for community development, or quietly showing respect during the pledge of allegiance at games.

Those little moments really say a lot about who he is.

He lives by a personal code that pushes him to keep improving.

Cusick puts team success first, way ahead of individual awards.

He genuinely cares about engaging with the community, and it shows.