Cody Bradford, a left-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, has made a quick impact in Major League Baseball since his 2023 promotion. He went from Baylor University standout to MLB regular, showing off his talent and drive on the mound.
Bradford currently earns $774,000 per year with the Texas Rangers. His estimated net worth sits around $1,137,423.
Bradford started his pro journey when he signed with the Rangers for a $700,000 signing bonus—a good bit over slot value. Born on February 22, 1998, he already has over a year of service time, with his service time as of January 2025 at 1.086.
He’s still pre-arbitration eligible, so he’s got some team control left.
The Rangers really showed faith in Bradford when they called him up from the Round Rock Express on May 15, 2023. Since then, he’s sharpened his skills and become a key part of the Texas pitching staff.
Baseball analysts keep talking about his growing pitch mix and his calm approach against big-league hitters.
Early Life and Background
Cody Bradford’s path to pro baseball started in Aledo, Texas. His hometown experiences and education played a big role in shaping both his athleticism and his baseball dreams.
Childhood and Education
Bradford was born on February 22, 1998 in Aledo. He grew up in a town where sports are a big deal, and he soaked up Texas’s deep baseball tradition.
He went to Aledo High School and started making a name for himself on the mound. Scouts noticed his pitching during those years.
He didn’t just focus on sports—he kept up with his studies, which helped him later at Baylor University.
Baseball Beginnings
Bradford got serious about baseball in his early teens, zeroing in on pitching. Those high school years in Aledo were huge for his development—he crafted his pitching style and worked on mechanics.
After high school, he took his arm to Baylor University. At Baylor, he quickly became one of the Big 12’s top pitchers.
His college career really launched him toward the pros. The Texas Rangers picked him in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB Draft (175th overall).
Influences and Inspirations
A lot of people helped shape Bradford as a pitcher. His family always had his back, showing up at games and cheering him on.
He worked with some great coaches who helped refine his pitching technique. The Baylor coaching staff played a big part in turning him into a draft prospect.
Bradford has said he studied Major League pitchers who relied on precision and control, not just velocity.
Playing Texas high school ball and competing in the Big 12 toughened him up and made him more competitive.
Professional Baseball Career
The Texas Rangers picked Cody Bradford in the 2019 MLB draft. He moved steadily through the minors before debuting in the majors and joining the Rangers’ pitching staff.
MLB Debut and Team Transitions
The Rangers drafted Bradford in the 6th round (175th overall) in 2019. They signed him for a $700,000 bonus, which was well above the slot value.
Bradford worked his way up through the farm system. On May 15, 2023, he got the big call—the Rangers selected his contract from Triple-A Round Rock.
He’s stuck with the Rangers ever since, mostly starting but also pitching from the bullpen when needed. That versatility has made him a useful piece for Texas.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
In his rookie year, Bradford showed flashes of potential, even while adjusting to the majors. He picked up his first MLB win in the summer of 2023—a big moment for him.
His pitch mix works well, and his time at Baylor in the Big 12 set him up for the pros.
During 2024, Bradford kept improving, especially in command and efficiency. He signed a one-year, $774,000 contract with the Rangers, a sign he’s still a developing player but valued by the team.
His net worth is now estimated at $1,137,423, and his 2025 salary will be $720,000. Not too shabby for someone just a couple years into the big leagues.
Playoff Appearances and World Series
Bradford was part of the Rangers’ depth during their historic 2023 World Series run. He didn’t play a major role in the postseason, but just being there gave him a taste of high-stakes baseball.
The Rangers’ coaches are working with him on situational pitching and mental toughness for future playoff chances.
He’s had some minor injuries along the way, spending short stints on the injured list, but nothing serious or career-threatening.
The Rangers are keeping an eye on his progress, hoping he’ll contribute more in future playoff runs as he gains experience.
Cody Bradford’s Contracts and Negotiations
Cody Bradford’s baseball career has involved some key contract moves that have shaped his financial picture. His contract path is pretty typical for a young pitcher working his way up in MLB.
First Professional Contract
Bradford entered pro ball after the Rangers drafted him in the 6th round (175th overall) in 2019. He signed a minor league contract with standard pay for a mid-round pick.
The big step came when the Rangers selected his contract on May 15, 2023, promoting him to the majors for his debut against Atlanta. That move put him on the 40-man roster and bumped him up to MLB pay.
After reaching the majors, Bradford signed a standard rookie contract worth around $720,000 a year, as per the collective bargaining agreement for pre-arbitration players.
Extensions and Trades
His latest deal with the Rangers is for $774,000 for one year, a slight bump from his rookie salary. The contract’s fully guaranteed, giving him some financial peace of mind.
Since he was born in 1998, Bradford is still under team control for a while before he hits arbitration. The Rangers have stuck with him as part of their pitching plans, and he hasn’t been traded since his debut.
Right now, his contract makes him a budget-friendly asset for Texas as they build around young talent. His future earnings will depend on how he performs and stays healthy as he racks up service time.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Cody Bradford has built up some financial stability early on, thanks to his MLB salary, some bonuses, and the potential for bigger paydays down the line.
Estimated Net Worth
Cody Bradford’s net worth is about $1,137,423 as of 2025. That’s his total earnings from pro baseball so far.
His net worth has grown since his MLB debut, but as a newer player, it’s not on the same level as seasoned veterans yet.
He’s managed his money pretty wisely in these first few years, laying the groundwork for long-term stability. If he keeps performing, his net worth should climb as he lands bigger contracts.
Salary Highlights
Bradford’s main income comes from his MLB salary. He signed a one-year, $774,000 deal with Texas, fully guaranteed.
Previously, he made about $720,000 a year, based on contract records. Here’s a quick look at his salary progression:
Bradford’s MLB Salary Progression:
- 2023: Entry-level contract
- 2024: $720,000
- 2025: $774,000
He’s still under team control for a few more years. If he keeps proving himself as a solid pitcher, he could see a big jump in earnings down the road.
Endorsements and Investments
Bradford doesn’t have any big national endorsement deals yet, but he’s started working with some regional Texas brands. These smaller partnerships add to his MLB salary.
He’s played it safe with investments so far, focusing on building financial security. There’s word he’s bought some real estate back home.
Unlike some athletes who jump into business ventures right away, Bradford has kept his attention on baseball. That focus might pay off as his salary grows.
Advisors who work with MLB players say pitchers like Bradford often prioritize long-term stability, given the physical demands and injury risks that come with the job.
Off the Field: Personal Life and Interests
Away from baseball, Cody Bradford leads a pretty balanced life, staying close to family and pursuing interests that shape who he is off the field.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Bradford uses his platform as a Texas Ranger to give back. After graduating from Baylor in 2019 with a degree in supply chain management, he’s kept ties with the university and joined in on various charitable projects.
He takes part in the Rangers’ community outreach, like youth baseball clinics where he teaches pitching to kids. Bradford especially likes supporting education-focused charities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
During the off-season, he volunteers at local food banks and helps raise money for children’s hospitals. His wife Madi, whom he married in December 2019, often joins him in these efforts.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
When he’s not on the mound, Bradford usually heads outdoors. He says these activities help him keep his head on straight during the grind of baseball season.
Fishing? That’s become one of his favorite ways to unwind. A few teammates tag along on road trips, and honestly, who could blame them?
Bradford also reads a lot—he especially likes books on leadership and business strategy. That lines up with his background in supply chain management, so it just makes sense. Sometimes he gets really into global logistics and sustainable business practices too.
He calls himself a “coffee enthusiast,” and he means it. Whenever he’s in a new MLB city, he hunts down local cafés.
Lately, he’s picked up photography. He snaps photos to document his baseball life and all the places he visits.
When the season’s over, family time comes first. Bradford and his wife Madi love hiking and cooking together at their place in Texas.
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