Bailey Horn – St. Louis Cardinals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Bailey Horn has made a name for himself as a rising talent with the Detroit Tigers. Born January 15, 1998, in Waco, Texas, Horn stepped onto the MLB stage on June 29, 2024. The Chicago White Sox drafted him in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Auburn University.

Right now, the lefty is playing on a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Detroit Tigers, and the deal is fully guaranteed.

Horn’s path to the majors wasn’t exactly smooth. After the White Sox drafted him, they traded him to the Tigers, where he worked his way up through the minors. He’s shown a ton of determination and hustle along the way.

At just 27, Horn’s become a player to keep an eye on for the 2025 season.

He’s still in his pre-arbitration period with less than a year of MLB service time (0.060 as of January 2025). So, his current contract is pretty modest, but that could change fast if he keeps developing on the mound.

His official MLB debut last summer kicked off what a lot of baseball folks think could be a very promising career for this Auburn alum.

Early Life and Background

Bailey Horn started his baseball journey in Texas, with family and school shaping him as an athlete. The support and local baseball culture played big roles in his early development.

Childhood and Family

Bailey Christian Tant Horn was born on January 15, 1998, in Waco, Texas. Growing up in Texas, he found himself surrounded by folks who take baseball seriously.

His family mostly stays out of the spotlight, but it’s clear they encouraged his athletic pursuits.

Texas gave Horn year-round chances to play ball, which really helped him grow as a player. Local youth leagues and school teams in Waco probably played big parts in building his skills.

Waco’s deep baseball roots likely gave him access to solid coaching and tough competition early on.

Education and Early Influences

Horn’s education took him to Auburn University, where he sharpened his pitching and worked toward a degree. The SEC is known for cutthroat baseball, so Horn faced top-tier opponents.

Balancing schoolwork and D-I baseball at Auburn wasn’t easy, and that period forced him to develop both as a player and as a person.

Coaches at Auburn helped him fine-tune his lefty delivery. College ball turned him from a raw talent into a legit MLB prospect.

Mississippi Roots

Even though he was born in Texas, Horn’s baseball story connects to Mississippi through the SEC. That region’s strong baseball culture and its closeness to Auburn meant Horn went up against a lot of Mississippi talent.

The Mississippi baseball scene, which has produced plenty of MLB players, probably influenced Horn through tournaments and games. Southern baseball culture, stretching from Texas to Mississippi, creates a kind of brotherhood among players facing similar challenges.

Weather in the Mississippi region mirrored what Horn saw in college, which helped get him ready for the unpredictable conditions of pro ball.

Collegiate Career and Achievements

Bailey Horn grew as a pitcher during his college years at Auburn University—not Ole Miss, despite some confusion out there. His time in college set the stage for his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers.

Time at Auburn

Horn’s college career took shape at Auburn, where he developed as a left-handed pitcher. He transferred to the Auburn Tigers after starting out at McLennan Community College in Texas.

At Auburn, Horn faced some tough breaks, including Tommy John surgery that temporarily put him on the shelf. That setback really tested his resolve.

By 2019, Horn became a valuable piece of Auburn’s pitching staff. His junior year, he caught scouts’ attention with his fastball and breaking stuff. He kept getting better and eventually earned a weekend starter role.

Performance in the NCAA Tournament

Horn stepped up for Auburn during the 2019 NCAA Tournament. When the pressure was on, he delivered clutch innings as the Tigers battled through regionals.

He really made an impression in the NCAA Super Regional against North Carolina. Horn’s pitching helped Auburn reach the College World Series for the first time since 1997.

Those games showed off his growing pitch mix and his cool head in big moments. Scouts noticed how he kept his composure, something he’d need as a pro.

Key Moments in Collegiate Development

Horn didn’t play in an NCAA title game, but several moments at Auburn shaped his career. Coming back from Tommy John surgery stands out as a huge achievement.

In the shortened 2020 season, Horn started to look like one of Auburn’s most dependable arms. His numbers improved, and his fastball picked up velocity.

These performances boosted his draft stock, and the Chicago White Sox picked him in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft. You can see more in his MLB player profile.

His time at Auburn set the stage for his major league debut on June 29, 2024.

Professional Baseball Journey

Bailey Horn has moved through several organizations since 2020, showing off his strikeout ability and adapting to new teams along the way.

Draft and Signing

The Chicago White Sox drafted Horn in the fifth round (142nd overall) out of Auburn in 2020. That year’s draft was shorter because of the pandemic, so getting picked was a big deal.

Horn signed quickly with the White Sox. Scouts liked his mix of pitches and his knack for missing bats.

Because of COVID-19, there was no minor league season in 2020, so Horn had to develop at the alternate training site instead of playing actual games.

Minor League Progression

Horn’s real minor league journey began in 2021. He flashed a high strikeout rate at different levels. His progress picked up, and the White Sox traded him to the Cubs in July 2021.

Across the minors, Horn has put together a 15-12 record with a 4.26 ERA in 129 games. He’s racked up 271 strikeouts in 213.1 innings, which stands out.

He kept moving up and made it to Triple-A. While there in 2025, Horn worked on his command but kept striking guys out.

Transition to the Cubs

The Cubs traded for Horn in 2021, seeing potential in his left-handed arm even though he was still pretty raw. Cubs coaches got to work tweaking his mechanics right away.

His first spring training with Chicago gave everyone a closer look at his slider and his ability to get swings and misses. The focus was on tightening up his command.

Horn kept developing with the Cubs, then moved on again—this time to the Red Sox. He made his MLB debut, pitching 18 innings with a 6.50 ERA.

By 2025, Horn had bounced around a bit, landing with the Detroit Tigers on a $760,000 contract before the Cardinals claimed him.

Contract Details and Negotiations

Bailey Horn’s journey through pro baseball has meant plenty of contract changes and team moves. Each stop has affected his current deal and financial outlook.

Current Major League Contract

Horn’s contract situation has changed fast over the past couple of years. In November 2023, the Chicago Cubs added him to their 40-man roster, which was a big step up.

Early in 2024, the Cubs traded him to the White Sox. Baseball Prospectus reported that the White Sox picked him up from the Cubs on February 27, 2024.

Most recently, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed Horn off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Before that, the Tigers had acquired him from the Cardinals for cash.

Bonuses and Incentives

Horn’s current contract probably includes standard incentives for a pitcher at his stage. Teams don’t usually make these public, but relievers often have bonuses for appearances, innings, and ERA.

He might also have bonuses for finishing games or pitching in tight spots. The Cardinals tend to add reachable incentives, as seen in their deals with Ryan Helsley, JoJo Romero, and John King.

Since the Cardinals picked him up off waivers, Horn’s base salary is still on the lower side for MLB, but if he sticks in the majors, he could see bigger paydays down the road.

Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures

Bailey Horn’s finances go beyond his MLB paycheck. He’s made some smart investments and gives back to the community, showing an eye for the future.

Salary and Career Earnings

Horn’s pro baseball career has given him a solid financial base. In 2025, he’s playing on a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Detroit Tigers, which is his salary for the season.

His earnings have grown since his pro debut. In the minors, pay is pretty low—usually between $4,800 and $14,000 a year.

Getting called up to the majors was a big financial jump. He’s not making veteran money yet, but if he keeps establishing himself as a reliable bullpen arm, his earnings should keep climbing.

Horn hasn’t signed a big multi-year contract yet, but those deals often come later for players who stick around.

Investments and Sponsorships

Horn’s started building up an investment portfolio with some professional help. He hasn’t shared exact details, but insiders say he’s taking the smart, steady approach that a lot of young players choose.

He’s not exactly a household name, so his endorsements are pretty modest. They include:

• A regional sponsorship with a Detroit sports medicine center
• A baseball equipment deal with a mid-tier brand
• A partnership with a local car dealership

Horn’s shown interest in real estate, which is a common move for athletes aiming for long-term stability.

He keeps things pretty quiet on social media, which means fewer sponsorships but fits his focused, no-nonsense style.

Charity and Community Involvement

Horn spends a lot of time giving back, especially to youth baseball programs in underserved neighborhoods. You’ll often find him at local baseball clinics during the offseason, showing young pitchers the ropes.

Here’s what he does on the charitable side:

• He donates every year to the Tigers’ community foundation.
• He backs literacy programs in Detroit’s public schools.
• He visits kids in hospital wards.
• He helps raise money for youth sports equipment.

Horn hasn’t set up his own foundation yet, but he teams up with veteran players on plenty of charity projects. He even joined a big fundraiser run by the Tigers’ closer, which pulled in over $50,000 for local causes.

Unlike a lot of pro athletes, Horn keeps his lifestyle pretty low-key. That choice lets him put more energy and money into his community work and keep an eye on his long-term financial health.

Legacy and Impact

Bailey Horn may still be early in his pro career, but he’s already starting to build a real legacy in baseball. His path from college standout to pro pitcher shows a kind of grit and drive that fans and other players really notice.

Role as a Closer

Horn’s growth as a closer has shaped his identity as a pro. In the minors, he’s shown he can handle the mental grind of late-inning pressure. Teams like the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs have valued him for his cool head in tough spots.

He keeps his ERA low when closing out games. Managers like how he stays calm when he enters with runners on and just a slim lead to protect.

One of his pitching coaches once said, “The ninth inning needs a different mentality. Bailey’s got that closer’s mindset—he forgets the last pitch and just locks in on the hitter.”

Impact on College Baseball

At Auburn University, Horn left his mark. His performance helped lift the program’s profile in the tough SEC conference.

Young pitchers at Auburn still watch his mechanics and try to learn from his approach. Horn’s college story stands out because he came back strong after Tommy John surgery, showing some serious determination. That comeback inspires college players who are working through injuries.

Auburn’s pitching coaches still point to Horn’s work ethic and rehab routine as a blueprint for injured players. His college experience proves that pushing through tough times can open doors to a pro career.

Influence on Future Generations

Horn’s path to professional baseball really gives young pitchers a blueprint to follow if they dream about going pro. He signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $760,000, which shows what’s possible if you stick with it and work hard.

A lot of young players admire how he’s adjusted throughout his career. He’s bounced between starting and relief roles, just doing what the team needs.

You’ll even see some baseball camps and clinics point to his versatility as something for young pitchers to aim for.

Lately, Horn’s started giving back by running baseball clinics for underprivileged kids. These projects are still pretty new, but he clearly gets what it means to use his platform as a pro athlete.

His journey isn’t over, and honestly, it feels like he’s just getting started on building a legacy in baseball.