Ben Joyce – Los Angeles Angels Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ben Joyce has quickly turned heads as one of baseball’s most intriguing young pitchers since the Los Angeles Angels drafted him in 2022. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, the right-hander went in the third round as the 89th overall pick after standing out at the University of Tennessee.

Joyce now makes $780,000 with the Angels, holds an estimated net worth of about $1.48 million, and is already known as one of the hardest throwers in MLB.

What really sets Joyce apart? His insane velocity. The Angels gave him a $1 million contract, which topped the slot value of $702,100. That move showed just how much the team believes in his arm.

Born on September 17, 2000, Joyce has already left his mark on pro baseball even though he’s still early in his career.

The Angels have moved Joyce up through their system at a rapid pace, clearly betting on his future as a star reliever. His current contract shows the team wants to develop his talents, and his net worth is climbing as a result of being an elite pitching prospect these days.

Fans are watching closely as Joyce continues to develop—everyone’s wondering just how far this flamethrower can go.

Early Life and Background

Ben Joyce’s baseball journey started in Knoxville, Tennessee. Those early years shaped the foundation of the pitching career that eventually carried him to the Major Leagues.

Family and Education

Born on September 17, 2000, in Knoxville, Ben Joyce grew up in an environment that encouraged his athletic development. There’s not much public info about his family, but his Tennessee upbringing clearly played a part in his baseball story.

Joyce first attended Walters State Junior College before transferring to the University of Tennessee. That move proved crucial for his baseball skills and gave him the stage to show off his pitching.

His time at Tennessee included both academics and athletics, giving him a solid base for his pro career.

Early Interest in Baseball

Joyce fell in love with baseball early on. Growing up in a state that lives and breathes the sport, he quickly found himself drawn to the game.

His talent showed up fast during youth baseball.

But things didn’t always go smoothly. Joyce ran into elbow growth plate issues during his freshman year of college and missed an entire season. That could’ve ended his dreams, but it only made him more determined.

Joyce rehabbed and trained hard, eventually returning to the field stronger than before.

Amateur Career

Ben Joyce’s road to pro baseball started in high school and college, where he built a reputation as a pitching prospect with eye-popping velocity.

High School Achievements

At Farragut High School in Knoxville, Joyce stood out as a pitcher with serious potential. His high school years hinted at the power he’d later become known for.

Joyce helped the Admirals stay competitive in Tennessee high school baseball and steadily improved his command and mechanics.

Even though he wasn’t a top-ranked prospect out of high school, he showed enough promise to catch the attention of college recruiters.

His raw talent and growing fastball velocity made him a name to watch.

College Baseball Journey

Joyce’s college career took shape at the University of Tennessee, where he really came into his own. Recovering from Tommy John surgery that wiped out his 2021 season, he came back strong.

In 2022, Joyce made headlines after firing a fastball at 105.5 mph—one of the fastest ever recorded. That single pitch turned him into a sensation and sent his draft stock soaring.

He didn’t pitch a ton of innings in college, but what he did on the mound was enough to get him noticed.

The Los Angeles Angels grabbed him in the third round (89th overall) in the 2022 MLB Draft. His blazing fastball and potential as a relief pitcher made him a fascinating pick, even with a short college resume.

Professional Career and Contributions

Ben Joyce wasted no time making a name for himself as a young reliever in the big leagues. His fastball is ridiculous, and his secondary pitches are starting to come along, too.

MLB Debut and Teams

Joyce made his MLB debut on May 29, 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels, less than a year after they drafted him out of Tennessee. He’s spent his whole pro career with the Angels so far.

The team moved him up from Double-A after just 13 games, showing they really believed in his arm.

Born in 2000, Joyce quickly became one of the youngest guys on the Angels roster. The front office keeps a close eye on him, hoping he’ll anchor their bullpen for years.

Role as Angels Reliever

Joyce mostly works as a hard-throwing middle reliever for the Angels. They bring him in for high-leverage spots where his heat can shut down hitters.

His fastball regularly breaks 100 mph and has become his calling card.

As the 2024 season went on, Joyce started getting more chances late in games as the Angels’ bullpen evolved. He didn’t close games at first, but he handled big outs in the seventh and eighth innings.

The Angels’ pitching coaches have spent a lot of time helping Joyce sharpen his slider and changeup, hoping to give him more weapons to pair with his velocity.

He’s dealt with injuries, including time on the 15-day injured list, but he’s bounced back each time.

Key Performances and Playoffs

Joyce has delivered some of his best outings under pressure, blowing away even veteran hitters with his fastball.

He notched his first career save against a division rival in a tight game, showing he can handle big moments.

In August 2024, he struck out five straight batters in 1.2 innings during a crucial series against Houston. That kind of performance hinted at his potential as a multi-inning weapon.

The Angels haven’t made the playoffs during Joyce’s stint, but he’s shown he can hold his own against top-tier teams.

His strikeout rate has stayed among the best in the American League.

Joyce’s ability to keep throwing gas late into the season has impressed both teammates and coaches. Some opposing managers have even called his arm one of the most electric in baseball.

Impact on Team and League

Joyce has become a bit of a phenomenon thanks to his velocity. His contract of $780,000 for 2023-2024 gives the Angels great value for what he brings.

Analysts love putting his pitches on highlight reels, and fans who appreciate power pitching have taken notice.

The Angels’ GM has openly praised Joyce’s work ethic and upside, calling him a big part of their future bullpen plans.

Joyce’s presence lets the team mix and match other relievers more strategically.

His rise has lined up with the Angels’ push to rebuild their pitching staff, and his knack for striking guys out gives them a nice counter to their more contact-oriented starters.

Contract Details and Earnings

Ben Joyce’s journey in pro baseball comes with some interesting financial details. His contract reflects both his potential and the typical path of a young MLB player.

MLB Contract Terms

Joyce signed with the Angels after going in the third round (89th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft. He landed an initial signing bonus of $997,500—almost $300,000 over his slot value. The Angels clearly wanted to lock down his talent.

For the 2025 season, Joyce earns a $720,000 salary. He’s still in his pre-arbitration years, so his pay is lower than established veterans.

The Angels control his contract through 2030, with arbitration starting in 2027. That’s pretty standard for young players.

Bonuses, Overtime, and Payroll

The Angels invested in Joyce right away with a million-dollar signing bonus, as Jim Callis reported.

His current contract doesn’t include performance bonuses, which are more common for veterans.

MLB players don’t get overtime, but they do pick up:

• Travel per diems
• Postseason bonuses (if the team gets there)
• All-Star selection bonuses (if selected)

On the Angels’ payroll, Joyce is a cost-efficient bullpen piece. His pre-arbitration status means he doesn’t take up much payroll space compared to more experienced relievers.

Endorsements and Additional Earnings

Joyce has started to build some extra income streams outside of his Angels salary. His 100+ mph fastball has opened doors with baseball equipment brands.

No one’s published exact endorsement numbers, but you can spot Joyce in:

• Equipment ads
• Regional promo campaigns
• Digital content for MLB partners

His total net worth is estimated at $1,487,746, counting both baseball earnings and outside deals. If he keeps performing, that number should rise fast as he approaches arbitration.

Even when Joyce landed on the 15-day injured list in May 2025, his guaranteed salary stayed intact—MLB contracts protect players’ pay during injuries.

Net Worth, Lifestyle, and Health

Ben Joyce’s financial situation, daily life, and health all play big roles in his baseball career.

His earnings, benefits, routines, and focus on staying healthy are key to his success with the Angels.

Estimated Net Worth

Ben Joyce has managed to build a modest net worth early in his Major League Baseball career. According to available financial data, his net worth is approximately $1.49 million.

That number reflects what he’s earned since he turned pro. Joyce mainly earns his income from his baseball contract.

When he signed with the Los Angeles Angels as their third-round draft pick, he landed a signing bonus of $1 million, which was way higher than the slot value of $702,100.

His annual salary adds to his growing financial portfolio. As of 2025, Joyce earns $780,000 per year with the Angels.

For a young player still finding his place in the majors, that’s a pretty solid foundation.

Benefits and Compensation

Ben Joyce gets more than just his base salary as an MLB player. He also receives a range of benefits—health insurance, pension plans, and various allowances—that boost his overall compensation.

MLB players like Joyce usually get:

• Per diem allowances on road trips (around $100-150 a day)
• Travel accommodations like first-class flights and nice hotels
• Healthcare coverage that even extends to family members
• Pension plan contributions that keep growing throughout his career
• Performance bonuses for hitting certain stats or winning awards

The MLB Players Association’s collective bargaining agreement protects players like Joyce with minimum salary levels and other guarantees. When he signed, his contract value beat the minimum by quite a bit, which shows the Angels really believe in his potential.

The pension and healthcare benefits give him some long-term security, something every player wants for life after baseball.

Work Life Balance and Travel

Joyce deals with a pretty demanding schedule, and it definitely affects his work-life balance. During the regular MLB season, the Angels play 162 games, split about half and half between home and away.

Road trips can stretch for a week or more, taking Joyce all over North America. As a pitcher, his routine isn’t quite the same as everyday players.

He pitches according to the rotation or bullpen needs, usually with a few days of rest between outings.

The baseball calendar looks like this:

• Spring Training (February-March in Arizona or Florida)
• Regular season (April-September)
• Maybe postseason (October)
• Off-season (November-January)

During the off-season, Joyce probably heads home or to a training facility. He gets time to recover, work on his skills, and just enjoy life away from the constant grind.

Travel can get rough—frequent timezone changes, late-night arrivals, and the usual exhaustion of life on the road.

Health and Sports Medicine

Joyce’s health management is absolutely crucial for his career, especially since he’s a power pitcher. His physical condition directly affects how he performs on the mound, and he’s already known for his insane velocity.

As a pitcher who has thrown fastballs over 100 mph, Joyce needs specialized care for his arm. The Angels’ sports medicine team probably sets up a personalized program for him, which might include:

• Arm care routines with targeted exercises and recovery work
• Biomechanical analysis to fine-tune his pitching motion and lower his injury risk
• Nutrition planning to help with recovery and performance
• Regular checkups for arm strength, flexibility, and overall health

The team’s medical staff keeps a close eye on his workload to protect him from overuse injuries, which hit hard-throwing pitchers all the time. They watch his pitch counts, days off, and how much he throws between games.

Baseball teams invest a lot in keeping pitchers healthy, since arm injuries can ruin a career in a hurry. For Joyce, staying healthy while keeping up that wild velocity might be his biggest challenge.

Personal Interests and Legacy

Off the mound, Ben Joyce tries to keep his life balanced with a mix of interests and goals that go way beyond just throwing heat. His personal pursuits and long-term vision paint a picture of a thoughtful athlete who’s planning for the future.

Hobbies Beyond Baseball

Joyce spends his limited free time on hobbies that help him stay grounded during the grind of the MLB season. He’s an avid outdoorsman and loves going fishing along California’s coast whenever he’s got a break at home.

He’s mentioned in interviews that he’s into video games—especially sports simulators—which help him relax after high-pressure games. Sometimes, he even gets competitive in gaming tournaments with his teammates.

Unlike a lot of his peers, Joyce still keeps up with football. He played in high school before choosing baseball, and he’s a diehard Tennessee Volunteers fan. If his schedule lines up, he’ll host watch parties for their games.

Involvement in Books and Education

Joyce has jumped into educational programs with the Angels, taking part in reading initiatives at local Los Angeles schools. His commitment to youth literacy goes back to his own time at the University of Tennessee.

He’s currently working with a sports journalist on a technical book about pitching mechanics. He wants to share what he’s learned about generating velocity and help young pitchers develop good habits and avoid injuries.

Joyce has also shown interest in finishing his sports management degree during the off-seasons. He sees education as important for whatever comes after baseball. He often says his college experience shaped how he approaches the game and life in general.

Retirement Plans and Future Goals

Even though he’s still early in his career, Joyce has already shared some interesting thoughts about his long-term plans. He decided to set up a retirement savings plan using his $997,500 signing bonus, showing a level of financial planning you don’t usually see in players his age.

Joyce says he’d like to coach once he’s done playing, especially helping young pitchers work on velocity and arm care. With his rare experience throwing at such high speeds, he could bring a lot to the table as a pitching coach.

He’s talked about starting a baseball academy back in Knoxville to help underprivileged kids get into the game. Joyce keeps coming back to the idea that his legacy should be about more than just stats—he wants to make a real difference in baseball.

On top of that, he’s even mentioned designing special training rooms for pitchers. He wants to include the latest tech and recovery methods that have helped him along the way.