Brent Headrick – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Brent Headrick has started turning heads as a rising talent in Major League Baseball since the Minnesota Twins picked him in the 9th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Born December 17, 1997, in Braidwood, Illinois, the lefty pitcher honed his craft at Illinois State University before jumping to the pros. Headrick’s current salary is $763,125 after signing a one-year deal with the New York Yankees, and his estimated net worth sits at $582,907.

Headrick’s career really follows a pretty classic MLB development story. After going 269th overall, he worked his way up through the minors, grinding for his shot at the big leagues. Minnesota showed faith in him by selecting his contract in November 2022, a move that signaled their belief in what he could bring at the highest level.

Now at 27, Headrick is still carving out his place in the majors. His first contract with the Twins wasn’t flashy, but his Yankees salary marks a big step forward. If he keeps improving, a lot of analysts think his earnings could jump—assuming he locks down a steady rotation spot.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Brent Wayne Headrick’s baseball journey started in small-town Illinois. With his 6’6″ frame and natural pitching ability, he went from local standout to college star before landing in pro ball.

Family Background

Brent Headrick arrived on the scene December 17, 1997, in Braidwood, Illinois. It’s a tiny Midwest town, and that close-knit vibe probably shaped his grounded personality. There’s not much public info about his family, but growing up in Braidwood—where everyone knows everyone—definitely played a role in his development.

Illinois has a deep baseball culture, thanks in part to the Cubs and White Sox being just up the road. That local passion for the game rubbed off on him early.

His family’s support helped him chase baseball through all the usual youth leagues and school teams.

High School Baseball Journey

Headrick went to Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, and that’s where he really started to stand out. Even as a teenager, he towered over most kids—eventually hitting 6’6″—and that size made him a force on the mound.

He kept working on his mechanics and building up arm strength through those years. As a lefty, he already had something scouts love.

His high school stats and steady improvement started drawing college recruiters, especially since he kept adding velocity and control. He wasn’t a top national prospect, but being a tall lefty always gets attention.

College Baseball Development

Headrick took his game to Illinois State University, and that’s where things really clicked. Playing for the Illinois State Redbirds, he turned raw talent into a legit pro skill set.

Headrick and his coaches put in the work—tweaking his delivery, adding velocity, and building a more complete pitch mix. Those college years were crucial for him, especially as he learned to handle tougher hitters.

By junior year, he was on scouts’ radars. His performances in the Missouri Valley Conference pushed his draft stock up. When the Minnesota Twins called his name in the 9th round (269th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft, his pro career officially began.

Professional Career Overview

Brent Headrick’s pro journey has been all about steady growth and adapting to new challenges. He’s shown what he can do as a lefty pitcher at every level, and his career path so far looks promising.

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Headrick debuted in the big leagues with the Minnesota Twins, kicking off his pro career. At 6’6″, 235 pounds, he looks every bit the part of a modern pitcher, and fans definitely noticed.

His rookie season had its ups and downs, but he flashed real potential. Using his height and lefty arm slot, he made life tough for hitters.

Jumping from the minors to the MLB is never easy, but Headrick kept his cool even against some tough lineups. His early stats set the stage for what could be a solid major league run.

Notable Trades and Transactions

Switching to the New York Yankees marked the biggest change in Headrick’s career so far. The Yankees saw enough in him to bring him on board, betting on his upside.

Headrick signed a one-year, $763,125 contract with the Yankees, and that money is fully guaranteed. For a young pitcher, it’s a nice vote of confidence.

Landing with the Yankees means more eyes on him and higher expectations. The Yankees’ front office clearly believes he could help soon, or at the very least, develop into a valuable arm for their staff.

Minor League Progression

Headrick’s climb through the minors was pretty methodical. Before getting his shot in the bigs, he put up a 14-12 record and a 4.55 ERA in 42 games—39 of those as starts for the Redbirds in the minor leagues.

He racked up 193 strikeouts in 205.2 innings, which is almost a strikeout per frame—pretty solid for a developing pitcher.

Right now, Headrick’s still on the Yankees’ 40-man roster and working in their minor league system. His path mirrors a lot of other pitching prospects aiming for a permanent MLB role.

Role in the Rotation and Bullpen

Headrick has shown he can handle both starting and relief work. Most of his minor league outings (39 out of 42) were starts, but his stuff plays in the bullpen too.

As a lefty, he’s got the edge against left-handed hitters, so he could be a situational weapon. Still, his track record suggests teams mostly see him as a starter.

The Yankees will decide where he fits best. With his size and college experience, he’s got options. Headrick’s still working toward a consistent MLB role, and that salary of $763,125 reflects where he stands—on the rise, but not quite established yet.

Contract History and Earnings

Brent Headrick’s financial journey started with his 2019 draft selection and has grown as he reached the majors and landed his current deal with the Yankees.

Draft Signing Bonus

The Minnesota Twins picked Headrick in the 9th round (269th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Illinois State. He got a signing bonus of $130,000 to kick off his pro career.

That bonus wasn’t massive, but it gave him a solid foundation as he started out in the minor leagues. The Twins clearly saw something in him, especially since he came in as a college pitcher with a bit of polish.

MLB Contracts and Salaries

After grinding through the Twins’ farm system, Headrick had his contract selected on November 13, 2022, earning a spot on their 40-man roster. He made his MLB debut in 2023, starting his service time and major league paychecks.

For 2025, Headrick signed a one-year, $763,125 contract with the Yankees. That entire amount is guaranteed. It’s a jump from what he made before—one source had his salary at $720,000.

That pay reflects the Yankees’ belief that he can contribute, and it’s above the league minimum for a young pitcher still finding his place.

Arbitration and Free Agency Status

Since Headrick just broke into the majors, he’s still in the pre-arbitration stage. The Yankees control his contract terms for now, and he won’t have much leverage until he hits arbitration.

Typically, a player needs about three years of MLB service to reach arbitration. For Headrick, that could come around 2026, depending on how much time he spends on the big league roster.

Free agency is even further off—usually after six years of service. So unless he signs an extension, he’s probably looking at free agency around 2029.

Payroll Impact and Team Budgets

Headrick’s $763,125 salary barely moves the needle for the Yankees, who regularly run payrolls north of $200 million. For a team like that, he’s a budget-friendly option with upside.

Young, pre-arb players like Headrick are gold for teams trying to balance the books. They can contribute without costing much, letting teams spend big elsewhere.

The Yankees especially benefit from cheap, controllable pitching. It frees up cash for their stars and gives them flexibility when building the roster.

Net Worth Analysis

Brent Headrick’s net worth reflects where he is in his career—just getting started, but on the right track. Most of his money comes from his MLB salary, though taxes, living costs, and maybe a few investments factor in.

Estimated Career Earnings

Headrick’s earnings are still pretty modest compared to MLB veterans. His salary is $720,000 per year according to SalarySport, and his net worth is estimated at $582,907. With his recent 1-year, $763,125 contract from the Yankees, he’s trending upward.

His rookie deal follows the usual MLB minimum salary rules. When the Twins drafted him in 2019, he picked up a signing bonus too.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Initial signing bonus: $130,000 (give or take)
• Minor league salaries (2019-2022)
• MLB minimum salary: $720,000–$763,125

Endorsements and Sponsorships

As a young MLB player, Headrick hasn’t landed big endorsement deals yet. Most up-and-coming pitchers get small equipment deals—gloves, cleats, maybe some apparel.

Possible endorsement angles:

• Local partnerships in Yankees or Twins markets
• Baseball gear brands
• Training facilities or camps

At 6’6″, Headrick has the look, but he hasn’t snagged national sponsorships yet. That’s pretty normal for players who haven’t made a playoff splash or reached All-Star status.

Comparison with Peers

Headrick’s financial standing lines up with what you’d expect for MLB players at his stage. Most ninth-round draft picks who make it to the majors take home similar salaries during their pre-arbitration years.

The MLB minimum salary for 2025 sits at about $750,000, so Headrick finds himself right at the baseline for active roster guys. His earnings aren’t anywhere near the big numbers veterans get after arbitration or free agency, but that’s normal.

Some quick comparisons:

• Other 2019 draft class pitchers in pre-arbitration: right around the same pay
• Established MLB starting pitchers: $5–30 million a year (yeah, that’s a leap)
• Relief specialists with 3+ years: $2–5 million annually

Headrick’s 27 in 2025, and as a lefty, he’s got room to bump his salary up if he proves he can stick as a reliable MLB arm.

Injuries and Comebacks

Brent Headrick’s career hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing—he’s dealt with some tough injuries that really tested how much he wanted to stay in the majors. His journey through injury challenges has shaped him as a pitcher, for better or worse.

Injury Timeline

Headrick ran into his biggest injury setback in April 2025, when the New York Yankees put him on the 7-day injured list with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. That happened right after the Yankees optioned him down on April 7, 2025.

Before this, Headrick mostly managed to avoid serious injuries while climbing the Twins’ minor league ladder. He kept progressing without major interruptions until he finally cracked the big leagues.

That 2025 injury stung because it came just as he was trying to carve out a spot with the Yankees after leaving the Twins system.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Headrick tackled rehab head-on, working closely with the Yankees’ medical staff. Together, they set up a recovery plan that focused on rebuilding his arm strength and cleaning up his mechanics.

He followed a strict throwing program, slowly ramping up the intensity. The Yankees poured a lot into his rehab, hoping he’d eventually add value to their pitching staff.

Even while sidelined, Headrick kept up his conditioning and paid extra attention to lower body strength, aiming to take some pressure off his arm. He also used the downtime to study hitters and tweak his pitching strategy.

Teammates noticed his upbeat attitude throughout the whole process, and that made him a respected presence in the clubhouse—even while he was out.

Impact of Tommy John Surgery

Headrick hasn’t needed Tommy John surgery so far, but that possibility always hangs over pitchers with arm issues. The Yankees’ medical team has worked hard to help him avoid such a major surgery.

Tommy John usually knocks a pitcher out for 12 to 18 months, which would have thrown a huge wrench into Headrick’s career and earnings during his prime.

The Yankees have taken a cautious approach with his arm, investing in long-term preventative routines. They’ve given him the same strengthening protocols that pitchers with elbow or shoulder concerns usually follow.

Headrick’s taken ownership of his health too, tweaking his between-starts routine to focus on recovery and arm care—anything to give him a longer run in the game.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Brent Headrick has flashed legit talent since turning pro. With the Minnesota Twins organization and then the New York Yankees, he’s had some moments that make you think he could stick as a big league pitcher.

Career Highlights

Headrick made his MLB debut on April 23, 2023, with the Twins—a huge deal for the lefty from Braidwood, Illinois. He earned that shot after moving steadily through the Twins’ system, having been picked in the 9th round back in 2019.

In the minors, Headrick showed he could command his pitches. At Double-A, he kept his strikeout-to-walk numbers strong, which helped him get the call to the show.

Once he joined the Yankees, Headrick kept working on his mix, relying on his fastball-changeup combo that’s tough on both righties and lefties.

Awards and Honors

Headrick hasn’t picked up major league awards yet, but he did get some recognition in the minors. While with the Twins, he earned Pitcher of the Month honors a few times, which says a lot about his steady work.

At Illinois State University, he grabbed All-Conference honors and built up his reputation as one of their top arms before getting drafted.

Coaches in the Twins’ system praised his growth, and that steady improvement eventually got him promoted to the big leagues.

Statistical Milestones

Headrick’s stats show promise. Early in his MLB run, he notched his first big league strikeout—always a cool milestone.

In the minors, he put up outings with 8+ strikeouts, proving he can miss bats. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) kept getting better as he moved up.

With a salary of $763,125 from the Yankees, Headrick’s still grinding to lock down a spot in the majors. His numbers—ERA, K rate, innings—keep trending in the right direction as he grows into his pro career.

Teams and Key Associations

Brent Headrick’s baseball path has taken him through a few organizations, showing the typical journey of a pitcher working his way up.

Time with Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite what some folks might think, Headrick has never played for the Dodgers. The Twins drafted him in the 9th round (269th overall) in 2019 out of Illinois State, and he started his pro career in their system.

Headrick developed his stuff with the Twins’ minor league teams, moving through the ranks as a pitching prospect. But there’s no Dodgers chapter in his story—just rumors, nothing more.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Same deal with the Padres—Headrick hasn’t pitched for them. After the Twins drafted him, he worked his way up their system before making it to the majors.

He built his craft as a lefty entirely with the Twins before any other MLB moves. The Padres have been active in the pitching market, but Headrick’s never been on their roster.

You won’t find any San Diego stops in his official MLB profile.

Yankees Connections

Headrick’s latest move took him to the Yankees. He signed a one-year, $763,125 deal, fully guaranteed.

As of April 2025, at age 27, he’s on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ roster, just a step away from the Bronx. At 6’6”, the lanky lefty adds some depth to their pitching pool. Yankees brass will be watching closely to see if he can make an impact.

Role Among Teammates and Veterans

Since breaking into MLB, Headrick’s found his way into the team dynamic, building relationships with both rookies and veterans. He’s learning from established pitchers, and lately, he’s even started guiding some of the newer faces.

Mentorships and Leadership

As a young lefty, Headrick has leaned on veterans for advice. After his call-up, he made it clear he wanted to soak up as much as possible from the experienced guys.

Teammates say Headrick pays close attention during bullpen sessions, jotting down notes while vets talk pitch grips and strategy. That humility’s earned him respect.

“I’m just trying to be a sponge,” Headrick told reporters at spring training. “These guys have done it for years, and you can’t put a price on that experience.”

Now, even with limited big league time, Headrick has started sharing tips with other call-ups, especially about the jump from minor league to major league hitters.

Working with the Bullpen and Rotation

Headrick’s bounced between starting and relieving, which gives him a unique outlook in team meetings.

Pitching coaches like how quickly he adapts during bullpen sessions. That flexibility has made him a useful piece, whether he’s with the starters or relievers.

Headrick also puts in time with catchers, going over hitter tendencies before games. His straightforward, respectful communication helps keep the pitching staff on the same page, even during rough patches.

Influence of Jordan Montgomery and Jorge Polanco

Jordan Montgomery has had a big influence on Headrick’s development. Their similar pitching styles and left-handedness make Montgomery an ideal mentor.

The two often work together on pitch sequencing and arm angles. Montgomery’s advice on handling right-handed hitters has been especially helpful.

Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco has given Headrick a hitter’s perspective. Their regular chats about what makes pitchers tough to face have helped Headrick think more strategically.

“Jorge sees so many at-bats and knows what makes hitters uncomfortable,” Headrick said. “That insight is something you just can’t get from pitching coaches.”

Encounters with Blake Snell

Blake Snell is another pitcher Headrick pays attention to. They’ve only crossed paths briefly at league events, but Snell’s Cy Young pedigree caught Headrick’s eye.

Headrick’s borrowed some of Snell’s approach to left-handed hitters, especially how he sequences pitches with two strikes. He watches Snell’s games on video pretty regularly.

When they faced off as opponents, Snell offered a few encouraging words after the game, saying Headrick “has the stuff to stick around for a long time” in the majors.

Headrick actually keeps notes from these run-ins with top pitchers, building his own playbook as he goes—especially now, with that contract for $763,125.

Media Appearances and Public Image

You won’t see Brent Headrick hogging the spotlight like some Yankees, but his no-nonsense style has earned him respect around the league. He keeps things pretty straightforward with the media and focuses on improving his craft.

Interviews and Press Features

Headrick’s gotten a little more media attention since joining the Yankees. After leaving the Twins, he did a few interviews and talked about how excited he was to work with the Yankees’ pitching staff.

When asked about his 5.97 ERA in 15 MLB appearances, Headrick usually takes an honest, growth-oriented approach. He points out what he needs to fix but doesn’t ignore the positives, either. Fans seem to appreciate that he doesn’t just give canned answers.

Local writers have noticed he gives thoughtful responses, not just the usual clichés. That’s helped him build a good rapport with the folks covering the team.

Yahoo Coverage and Online Presence

Headrick’s Yahoo Sports profile tracks his stats, bio, and performance updates. Yahoo’s fantasy baseball section even analyzes his pitching metrics and potential fantasy value.

On social media, Headrick keeps things pretty low-key—mostly baseball, not much about his personal life. That fits right in with the Yankees’ overall vibe.

Fans looking up his salary of $763,125 usually find Yahoo compiling info about his contract and performance. The platform asks for user consent for personalized content, so privacy stays in check.

Community Engagement

Even though he only recently landed in New York, Headrick’s already started building real connections in the community. He’s jumped into a few Yankees community initiatives and shows he cares about the team’s long-standing tradition of civic engagement—maybe not loudly, but it’s there.

Born in Braidwood, Illinois, Headrick sometimes brings up his Midwest roots in interviews. These little personal stories let fans see a more relatable side of him, not just the guy on the mound.

Headrick’s style when it comes to community work pretty much matches his overall professional vibe: low-key but sincere. He doesn’t chase after the spotlight. Instead, he puts his energy into real interactions, especially with young players who look up to his journey from a 9th-round draft pick to the big leagues.

Retirement and Legacy

Brent Headrick’s career trajectory keeps shaping his mark on baseball, both during his playing days and, eventually, when he steps away from the game.

Transition from Baseball

As of April 2025, Brent Headrick’s still pitching professionally and hasn’t retired. The lefty started his MLB path with the Minnesota Twins after they picked him in the 9th round (269th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Illinois State University.

Headrick debuted in the majors with the Twins and made his mark before joining the New York Yankees. Moving through different teams, he’s shown he can adapt and grow as a pitcher—something not every player manages.

Throughout his active career, Headrick built a reputation for his work ethic and professional attitude. Right now, he’s focused on playing, not on what comes after.

Post-Retirement Activities

While Headrick’s career is still rolling, he’s already got interests that might shape his life after baseball. His college experience at Illinois State University gives him a solid educational background to fall back on.

A lot of players with similar resumes end up in:

• Broadcasting and media work
• Coaching or player development
• Baseball operations or front office gigs
• Entrepreneurship and investments

Headrick’s connections with the Twins and Yankees could open doors when he eventually hangs up his glove. Having seen baseball from different angles, he’s got a perspective that could fit in plenty of roles around the sport.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Right now, Headrick just hasn’t put up the kind of stats you’d expect from someone in the Hall of Fame conversation. His net worth sits at about $582,907, which honestly just shows he’s still early in his career.

For some context, Hall of Fame pitchers usually hit marks like these:

Achievement	Typical HOF Threshold
Career length	15+ years
Wins (for starters)	200+
All-Star selections	Multiple
ERA	Consistently below league average
Postseason success	Significant contributions

If Headrick wants to get on the Hall of Fame radar, he’ll have to keep performing at a high level for a long time. Hall of Famers usually stand out with big achievements, lots of All-Star nods, and they dominate in their roles.

Who knows? The next decade will really tell us if he’s got a shot at the Hall of Fame or not.