Brooks Baldwin is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball. Born on August 15, 2000, this versatile infielder has already started turning heads since the Chicago White Sox brought him up from the Charlotte Knights.
Brooks Baldwin signed a one-year contract worth $762,625 with the Chicago White Sox, including a fully guaranteed amount and an average annual salary of $762,625.
Even though he’s still early in his pro journey, Baldwin represents the new wave of talent trying to break through in the majors. His contract falls right in line with what you’d expect for a rookie entering the big leagues.
We don’t really know his net worth yet—he’s not a household name or anything—but that first MLB salary is a huge step in his career.
Baldwin’s climb to the majors really shows what kind of grit you need to make it at baseball’s highest level. As a third baseman who can handle a few other spots, he gives the White Sox some serious flexibility.
Fans in Chicago are keeping an eye on him, curious to see just how this young guy settles in and grows with the team.
Early Life and Education
Brooks Baldwin’s story starts in North Carolina, where his early years and education set the stage for what came next. He credits a supportive family for helping him build the foundation for his athletic success.
Family Background
Riley Brooks Baldwin was born on August 15, 2000 in Whiteville, North Carolina. His family has strong roots in the Whiteville area, giving him a steady base as a kid.
He grew up in a home that cared about both school and sports, which definitely shaped how he approached baseball and his studies. Details about his parents are a bit scarce, but their encouragement clearly mattered.
Whiteville, his hometown, has a pretty rich baseball tradition. That probably played a big part in getting him hooked on the sport.
The small-town feel let Baldwin sharpen his skills in local leagues and school teams.
Childhood in Georgia
Although he was born in North Carolina, Baldwin spent a lot of time growing up in Georgia. That move put him right in the middle of Georgia’s well-known baseball scene.
He played in several youth leagues there, picking up experience and refining his game. The warm weather in Georgia meant he could train all year, which is a nice advantage for a young ballplayer.
By competing in Georgia’s baseball circuits, Baldwin learned to handle different playing styles and levels of competition. That mix of experiences helped make him the flexible player he is now.
Moving between North Carolina and Georgia forced him to adapt and handle new challenges. That kind of resilience sticks with you.
Academic Achievements
Baldwin didn’t let baseball distract him from school. He finished his academic journey at UNC Wilmington, balancing the grind of college sports with his classes.
At UNC Wilmington, he kept his grades up while developing as a player. College ball toughened him up for the mental and physical side of pro baseball.
His time there gave him the discipline and critical thinking skills that help in the pros. That college experience really set him up for the next step.
After college, the Chicago White Sox picked him in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. That’s when things got real.
Professional Career
Since getting drafted by the White Sox in 2022, Brooks Baldwin has been making his mark in pro baseball. People know him for his ability to play all over the infield and outfield—a real asset for any team.
Career Beginnings
Baldwin’s pro career kicked off when the White Sox grabbed him in the 12th round (371st overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft. As a Whiteville, North Carolina native, he’d already impressed scouts during his college days.
After signing, he started his minor league journey in the White Sox system. Managers liked how he could fill in at second, short, or even the outfield, which made him extra useful.
He kept improving in the minors, and folks started to see him as a legit prospect. That’s not always how it goes, so it says something.
Major Roles and Achievements
Baldwin reached the majors with the White Sox, living out the dream of making it to the show. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 195 pounds, he brings good size to the field.
He’s a rare switch-hitter, which gives managers more options in the lineup. Add in his defensive flexibility, and he can help out in a bunch of ways.
For 2025, Baldwin’s playing on a one-year, $762,625 contract with Chicago. He’s still got rookie status, and White Sox fans are watching to see how he grows.
Contributions to Performing Arts
Even though baseball is his main thing, Baldwin has shown some love for performing arts programs in Chicago and back home in North Carolina. He’s joined White Sox efforts that support arts education for kids.
He’s also turned up at a few charity events for local theater, showing he gets how arts and sports both take dedication and teamwork.
He’s started some foundation work with the goal of helping kids access both sports and the arts. In interviews, he’s said he believes young people should get a taste of both worlds.
Contract Details and Agreements
Brooks Baldwin’s time with the White Sox has included some key contract moments that have shaped where he’s at now. His deals reflect how fast he’s moving up and how much the team believes in him.
Notable Contracts
Baldwin’s big league contract started when the White Sox called him up from the Charlotte Knights in July 2024. That move made him an MLB player at just 23.
He probably got the league minimum salary for rookies, which in 2024 was about $720,000. Because he can play second, short, and the outfield, the White Sox get extra value from him beyond just the paycheck.
The team keeps control of players for six full seasons before they hit free agency. Baldwin’s still in the pre-arb phase, so Chicago has him under wraps until about 2027.
Contract Negotiation Process
Baldwin started his contract journey right after the draft, signing that first minor league deal. He shot up the White Sox minor league ladder—playing for both Single-A teams in 2023—which made him hard to ignore.
When teams promote guys from the minors, they usually look at:
- Performance – Baldwin’s ability to handle multiple spots on defense
- Team needs – The White Sox needed more infield options
- Agent input – Someone’s always pushing for the player’s best interests
For rookies like Baldwin, there’s not a ton of room to negotiate at first. Still, his defensive skills probably nudged the White Sox to bring him up in July 2024 instead of leaving him in Triple-A all year.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Brooks Baldwin’s finances are still in the early stages, just like his MLB career. Most of his money right now comes from his baseball contract, but he’s starting to open up more income streams as he gets established.
Sources of Income
Baldwin’s main paycheck comes from his MLB contract with the White Sox. He signed a one-year deal for $762,625, and that’s his main source of income for now.
He might also pull in some extra cash from:
- Performance bonuses (if his contract includes them)
- Early endorsement deals (probably not huge yet)
- Merchandise sales with his name or number
- Appearances and signing events
Baldwin, born in Whiteville, NC in 2000, kicked off his pro money-making when the White Sox picked him in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft (pick #371).
Salary and Earnings
With an MLB salary of $762,625, Baldwin sits at the lower end of big league pay—totally normal for a newcomer.
Here’s a quick look at his earnings:
Income Type | Amount |
---|---|
Base Salary | $762,625 |
Guaranteed Money | $762,625 |
Average Annual Value | $762,625 |
This is a huge leap from minor league pay, where guys usually earn between $4,800 and $14,700 a year. As a 12th-round pick, Baldwin probably got a modest signing bonus when he turned pro in 2022.
Impact of Ticket Sales
Right now, Baldwin doesn’t move the needle on ticket sales like a veteran or an All-Star. That’s just how it goes when you’re new.
But if he keeps getting better and builds a bigger following, that could change. Things that might help:
- Better stats and on-field highlights
- More fans noticing him
- The White Sox putting him in the spotlight
- Special promotions with his name attached
The White Sox usually draw about 20,000 fans per home game, which brings in a lot of revenue. If Baldwin turns into a star, his value to the team (and the fans) could jump.
Philanthropy and Personal Interests
Brooks Baldwin is more than just a baseball player—he’s getting involved with charity work and personal projects that show his character.
Charitable Work
Baldwin has joined in with White Sox Charities events, helping out in community programs. The White Sox Charities group has donated over $47 million, and Baldwin’s pitched in by donating autographed photos for fundraising auctions.
He’s also taken part in youth baseball clinics around Chicago, following a tradition among White Sox players. Back at UNC Wilmington, he got involved with student-athlete service projects, like hospital visits and reading to kids.
He’s still early in his MLB career, but he’s already showing he cares about giving back.
Personal Life
Brooks Baldwin was born on August 15, 2000, in Whiteville, North Carolina. Even now, he keeps close ties to his hometown.
His full name is Riley Brooks Baldwin, but he sticks with his middle name when it comes to baseball.
He went to UNC Wilmington for college. While there, he really honed his baseball skills before the Chicago White Sox picked him up in the 12th round (371st overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft.
When he’s not playing baseball, you’ll probably find Baldwin fishing or doing something outdoors—pretty typical for someone from North Carolina. He doesn’t share much about his private life and seems to put most of his energy into his career since breaking into the majors with the White Sox.
Teammates talk about his work ethic all the time. Baldwin’s drive to get better has definitely helped him rise through the minor leagues faster than most.
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