Daniel Bard – Colorado Rockies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Daniel Bard’s baseball journey? It’s honestly one of the wildest comeback stories in recent memory. After nearly seven years away from MLB because of performance anxiety and the dreaded “yips,” Bard shocked everyone by making it back to the big leagues with the Colorado Rockies in 2020. He stuck with it, and now he’s earned a reputation as a reliable closer.

Right now, Daniel Bard pulls in a salary of $9,500,000 per year and has built up a net worth of about $28,389,029 over his career. The Rockies showed real faith in him after his strong seasons, signing him to a two-year, $19 million extension in 2022. That deal keeps him in Colorado through the 2024 season.

When Bard signed that extension, he was already 37. But honestly, he keeps proving that age doesn’t really matter in baseball. He started off his 2022 season strong, and the Rockies avoided arbitration by giving him a $4.4 million contract earlier that year. His comeback hasn’t just made him valuable on the field—he’s become a bit of an inspiration to players who struggle with mental hurdles.

Early Life and Background

Daniel Paul Bard was born on June 25, 1985, in Houston, Texas. That was just the start of what would turn into a pretty remarkable baseball journey.

His early years in Texas helped shape the gritty pitcher he became later on.

Family and Education

Daniel Bard grew up in Texas, surrounded by an environment that encouraged his athletic side from the start. While he hasn’t shared much publicly about his parents, they’ve clearly played a big part in his growth as an athlete.

Bard went to the University of North Carolina—people sometimes get that wrong and say Northwestern, but nope, it was UNC.

At North Carolina, he really started to stand out. From 2004 to 2006, Bard pitched for the Tar Heels, sharpening his natural skills and learning how to handle serious competition. He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, which definitely makes him an imposing presence on the mound.

Beginnings in Baseball

Bard’s baseball story kicked off in youth leagues, where his arm strength grabbed attention right away. By high school, college recruiters and pro scouts were already watching him closely.

The New York Yankees drafted Bard in the 20th round of the 2003 MLB Draft, but he chose college instead. That call paid off—his stock soared during his years at UNC.

His development there made it clear he could be a power pitcher.

The Boston Red Sox picked Bard in the first round (28th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft. That marked the start of his pro career. Bard’s fastball was already something special, often hitting the high 90s.

Professional Baseball Career

Daniel Bard’s time in pro baseball has seen both huge highs and some tough lows. Through it all, he’s shown a ton of grit and determination.

MLB Debut and Early Success

Bard made his MLB debut on May 13, 2009, with the Boston Red Sox. He quickly turned heads as a hard-throwing righty out of the bullpen. His fastball routinely hit the high-90s, and sometimes even touched 100 mph.

In his rookie year, Bard put up a 3.65 ERA in 49 appearances, striking out 63 batters in just 49.1 innings. His electric stuff and poise in big spots made him a favorite at Fenway Park.

By 2010, Bard had become one of the league’s top setup men. He finished with a 1.93 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 74.2 innings. Boston leaned on him heavily, and he looked like a future closer.

Stint with Boston Red Sox

Bard’s early years with the Red Sox looked really promising. In 2011, he kept rolling, pitching in 73 games and posting a 3.33 ERA with 74 strikeouts.

The Red Sox tried to turn Bard into a starter in 2012. That move honestly didn’t work out. The switch messed with his mechanics and confidence, and he started having trouble with control.

After struggling in the starting role, Bard got sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket. His command issues got worse, and his career with Boston started to fall apart. The Red Sox designated him for assignment in September 2013.

From 2013 to 2017, Bard bounced around with the Cubs, Rangers, Cardinals, and Mets. He couldn’t quite get back to his old self because of the control problems.

Challenges and Comeback

Bard hit a major wall when he developed the “yips”—he just couldn’t throw strikes reliably anymore. That struggle, both mental and physical, forced him out of the game. He officially retired in October 2017.

After leaving playing behind, Bard took a job as a player mentor with the Arizona Diamondbacks. But then, in 2020, he started throwing again. Something clicked, and he decided to give it another shot.

The Colorado Rockies picked him up on a minor league deal. Against all odds, he made the opening day roster at age 35. That comeback earned him the 2020 National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Bard’s perseverance brought financial rewards, too, when he signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Rockies. His current annual salary sits at $9.5 million, and his career earnings are closing in on $30 million.

Contract Details and Transactions

Daniel Bard’s pro career has included some big contracts, a lot of team changes, and plenty of ups and downs. His path through MLB deals says a lot about his resilience and ability to bounce back.

Major Contracts and Extensions

Bard’s biggest recent deal is his 2-year, $19 million extension with the Rockies, which he signed on July 30, 2022. He earned that after proving himself as a reliable closer, racking up 34 saves in 37 chances during the 2022 season.

That extension pays him $9.5 million a year. It’s a big sign of how much the Rockies value his late-career resurgence. Given Bard’s earlier struggles, it’s honestly a pretty amazing turnaround.

Before joining the Rockies, Bard signed smaller contracts with several teams as he tried to work his way back to form.

Free Agency Moves

Bard’s free agency journey has been all about persistence. After his time with the Red Sox ended, he moved through several teams, always looking for a shot to return.

In May 2016, the Pittsburgh Pirates released Bard, but he soon signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. He just kept pushing, even when things weren’t going his way.

His free agency period also included time away from MLB as he worked on his performance issues. Signing with the Rockies capped off one of the most unlikely comebacks in baseball, returning after nearly seven years out of the majors.

Options and Trade Activity

Over the years, Bard has gone through a bunch of roster moves and contract options. Early on, the Boston Red Sox brought Bard up from Triple-A Pawtucket to the majors.

He hasn’t been a major trade piece in recent seasons. The Rockies have valued him as a closer, so they haven’t shopped him at the trade deadline.

By extending Bard instead of trading him in 2022, the Rockies showed real trust in his ability to keep performing—even as an older player. They clearly believe he can keep getting the job done in the late innings.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Daniel Bard has built up a solid chunk of wealth through his baseball career, thanks to contracts, performance bonuses, and some smart investing. His financial story shows how baseball can be lucrative, but also how important it is to plan for the future—especially after a long break.

Career Earnings

Bard’s time in professional baseball has brought in serious money through contracts with several teams. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $28,389,029. The latest big contract was a two-year, $19 million extension for 2023-2024, which pays him $9.5 million per year.

Before that, Bard made $4.4 million through arbitration in 2022. His earnings really reflect his value as a reliever, especially after his comeback.

His career earnings span several contracts, both with Boston and after his return with Colorado.

Assets and Investments

Bard hasn’t shared much about his personal investments, but most players at his level keep things pretty diversified. Guys like him usually put money into real estate, stocks, and maybe some business ventures to keep things stable long-term. Financial stability is always a priority.

A lot of MLB players work with advisors to handle their earnings and build investment portfolios that match their retirement plans. Bard, having experienced both the highs and the lows, probably takes a pretty careful approach to preserving his wealth.

During his years away from baseball, when he worked as a player mentor and then planned his comeback, smart financial planning would’ve been crucial. With talk of a potential 2025 comeback, Bard keeps showing he’s got both athletic drive and financial sense.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Daniel Bard manages to balance his baseball career with a busy personal life, including family and giving back to the community. Off the mound, he’s used his experience to help others in the game.

Family and Community Involvement

Bard keeps his family life pretty private in Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s married to Adair Bard, and together they’ve built a strong home base through all the ups and downs of his career.

When Bard stepped away from baseball between 2017 and 2020, he focused on family. That break helped him reset mentally before making his comeback.

Bard gets involved in Rockies community outreach and works with youth baseball programs, hoping to inspire future players.

His own struggles with the yips have made him a big supporter of mental health awareness in sports. Bard talks openly about mental resilience and the importance of asking for help.

Roles Beyond Playing

After his temporary retirement in 2017, Bard joined the Arizona Diamondbacks in a player development role. He worked in their human resources department, focusing on mental skills training.

He used his experience to help younger players deal with performance anxiety. Bard built programs that taught pitchers how to manage stress and stay confident during tough stretches.

Working in player development gave Bard a deeper understanding of how talent moves through baseball. He spent a lot of time with pitching prospects, helping them with both technical skills and the mental side of the game.

Bard has also shown interest in coaching. His journey—from top prospect to someone who had to fight through career-threatening struggles—gives him a unique perspective for mentoring young players.

His comeback story has made him a bit of a legend in baseball circles. Bard often speaks at events, sharing what he’s learned about perseverance and mental toughness.

Influence and Notable Connections

Daniel Bard’s path through professional baseball has led to strong relationships and lasting influence that go way beyond his stats. His resilience and comeback have made him someone people in MLB genuinely look up to.

Relationships with Teammates and Managers

Bard really owes a lot to manager Bud Black for his career renaissance with the Rockies. Black stuck by him during Bard’s return to the majors after that long absence.

That kind of steady support gave Bard the stability he needed for his comeback.

Inside the Rockies clubhouse, Bard built strong bonds with teammates like Ryan McMahon and Randal Grichuk. These friendships made the environment more supportive while he battled control issues and anxiety.

Fellow pitchers Dinelson Lamet, Chad Kuhl, and Zach Davies talk often about Bard’s mentorship in the bullpen. Bard openly shares his own stories about overcoming the yips, and that’s given younger players some real guidance when they hit tough stretches.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Bard pulled off an extraordinary comeback after almost seven years away from MLB. Honestly, his story feels like one of the most inspiring in baseball—he went from dominant reliever to struggling pitcher, then clawed his way back to become a successful closer.

Players like Willson Contreras and Austin Hays have openly talked about how Bard’s return motivates others who deal with mental performance issues. Bard’s willingness to talk about anxiety has chipped away at the stigma around mental health in pro sports.

A Rockies vice president even said Bard’s presence lifted the entire bullpen culture. That 2022 season—man, he showed off better control (3.6 walks per nine innings) and racked up 9.9 strikeouts per nine. He really locked in his legacy as one of baseball’s great comeback stories.