Dean Kremer has made a name for himself as a rising star pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, showing off his talent on Major League Baseball’s biggest stage. The Israeli-American righty keeps improving since joining the MLB, and his contract has grown right along with his skills.
Kremer’s playing under a one-year, $2,950,000 contract with the Orioles for the 2025 season. That’s a big jump from his $731,200 salary in 2023.
His path to pro baseball is just as fascinating as his dual citizenship. Kremer became the first Israeli citizen drafted into the MLB, breaking barriers and carving out a spot as a reliable starter in Baltimore’s rotation.
His career keeps trending upward—both in stats and in his paycheck.
Kremer’s current net worth sits at over $1.8 million. That number reflects his steady climb through baseball’s ranks and his growing value to the Orioles.
His story is one of perseverance and dedication—qualities that have helped him secure a spot in America’s pastime while building a legacy that crosses borders.
Early Life and Background
Dean Kremer’s journey to the majors started with strong family ties to Israel and a childhood passion for baseball. His unique heritage and early experiences helped shape his path to becoming a professional pitcher.
Family Heritage
Dean Junior Kremer was born on January 7, 1996, in Stockton, California. Both of his parents were born and raised in Israel, which sets his background apart from most big leaguers.
Kremer’s parents moved to America after finishing their mandatory service in the Israeli army. This Israeli-American identity makes Kremer a unique figure in the baseball world.
His dad came to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship, so athletic talent clearly runs in the family. Even as Dean grew up in California, the Kremer family kept close ties to their Israeli roots.
Dean holds dual citizenship with Israel and the United States. That made him the first Israeli citizen ever drafted by a Major League Baseball team.
Education and Youth Baseball
Kremer attended high school in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he started to hone his pitching. His academic journey eventually led him to college baseball, which gave him the chance to refine his skills even more.
Before he turned pro, Kremer played college ball at the University of Nevada. His time there helped him get noticed by MLB scouts.
He didn’t go to Stanford, but he did compete against some of the best college programs in California while at Nevada. That tough California baseball scene gave him valuable experience.
Kremer also spent some time in Dallas for training, working with specialized pitching coaches who helped him sharpen his technique.
Passion for Baseball
Kremer’s love for baseball started early. Even though his dad leaned more toward tennis, Dean found himself drawn to the diamond.
He showed his dedication by representing Team Israel in international competition, including the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. Those experiences let him connect with his Israeli heritage while chasing his baseball dreams.
As a young player, Kremer worked hard to develop his signature pitching style, focusing on his breaking balls and command. His strong work ethic during these years set the stage for his later success.
By 2016, when he became draft-eligible, Kremer had already established himself as a promising pitching prospect with a unique background. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked him in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
Professional Career Overview
Dean Kremer’s baseball journey has taken him from promising draft pick to a starting pitcher in the big leagues. His path includes time in the minors and growth into a key arm for the Baltimore Orioles.
Draft and Minor League Journey
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Kremer in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, with the 431st overall pick. He started his pro career in the Dodgers’ farm system, showing promise as he moved through the minor league levels.
His time with the Dodgers didn’t last long. In July 2018, they traded him to the Baltimore Orioles as part of the deal that sent All-Star shortstop Manny Machado to L.A.
Once in the Orioles’ minor league system, Kremer kept developing his pitching arsenal. He quickly became one of the organization’s top pitching prospects, showing the kind of potential that would soon land him a spot in the big-league rotation.
Baltimore Orioles Tenure
Kremer made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles on September 6, 2020. He made a strong first impression, giving Orioles fans hope for the future of their pitching staff.
Since joining the big-league club, Kremer has worked to establish himself as a reliable starter. The Orioles have kept a close eye on his development as they continue their rebuilding process.
In 2023, Kremer earned a salary of $731,200, reflecting his pre-arbitration status. His contract got a big boost for 2025, when he signed a one-year, $2,950,000 deal with Baltimore.
Kremer’s outings have included both bright spots and tough lessons. As he keeps refining his approach, he remains a key part of the Orioles’ plans for competing in the tough American League East.
Contract Details and Payroll Insights
Dean Kremer’s financial path with the Orioles shows a steady climb in earnings as he’s proven himself as a starting pitcher. His contract history reflects both his development and the team’s faith in his potential.
Contract Timeline
Kremer started his MLB career with the usual modest earnings for pre-arbitration players. In 2021, he signed for $572,500 after debuting in the majors.
He got a bump to $705,500 in 2022.
His salary rose again in 2023, when he earned $731,200. That was still below the league average but showed his growing role in the rotation.
His contract history follows the usual MLB salary structure for young players working their way up.
Recent Deals and Extensions
Kremer’s biggest financial leap came before the 2025 season, when he signed a one-year, $2.95 million contract with the Orioles. That’s his first year of arbitration eligibility, when players usually see their first big raise.
The $2.95 million deal is a 300% increase from his previous salary, showing both his service time and his value to Baltimore’s pitching staff. This contract covers just the 2025 season, setting Kremer up for more arbitration years before he can hit free agency.
The Orioles haven’t gone for a long-term extension with Kremer yet. Instead, they’re sticking with the year-to-year approach that’s common for arbitration-eligible players. It’s a wait-and-see move as they figure out his long-term role.
Impact on Team Payroll
Kremer’s $2.95 million salary for 2025 is a modest slice of Baltimore’s overall payroll, but it shows their commitment to keeping young talent. For a team that’s historically careful with spending, putting nearly $3 million into Kremer shows they believe in his potential.
The Orioles have kept one of baseball’s lower payrolls lately, so Kremer’s salary stands out more on their books than it would for a big-spending club. His contract fits Baltimore’s strategy of developing young, cost-controlled pitching.
As Kremer moves through his arbitration years, his salary will probably keep rising, taking up a bigger chunk of the team’s payroll. This gradual increase lets the Orioles plan their finances while holding onto a valuable starter.
Dean Kremer Net Worth and Earnings
Dean Kremer has built up solid financial value during his career with the Orioles. Most of his earnings come from his baseball contracts, but he’s also found other ways to boost his income.
Salary History
Kremer’s MLB salary has gone up steadily since his debut. In 2023, he earned $731,200 with the Orioles, reflecting his pre-arbitration value.
Things improved a lot in 2024, when his salary jumped to $2,950,000. That big leap matched his growing value as a starting pitcher.
The Orioles’ confidence in Kremer shows in these contract details. He signed a one-year deal with $2,950,000 guaranteed.
His net worth is estimated at around $1,821,372, and with his salary on the rise, that figure is only going up.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Kremer might not have the endorsement deals of a superstar, but he’s landed a few regional sponsorships that bring in extra cash. His Israeli-American background creates unique marketing opportunities, especially with Jewish organizations and Israeli-American businesses.
He has deals with baseball equipment manufacturers for his game-day gear, though the financial details aren’t public. These endorsements often include bonuses for strong performances.
His social media presence isn’t huge, but it gives him another way to connect with fans and add some sponsored content into the mix.
Investments and Assets
Kremer has made some smart moves in real estate, especially around Baltimore, where he lives during the season. Property investments make up a big part of his assets, giving him both current value and future growth.
He works with financial consultants to manage his wealth, spreading his investments across stocks, bonds, and safer options to balance growth with security.
Kremer has shown interest in innovation and tech startups, though he keeps the details private. His financial team focuses on long-term stability, knowing that a baseball career doesn’t last forever and it’s important to protect his wealth after his playing days are over.
Challenges, Injuries, and Comeback
Dean Kremer’s journey in pro baseball hasn’t been easy. He’s faced obstacles that have tested his resilience and shaped his career.
Injuries and Recovery
Kremer has dealt with a few injury setbacks along the way. In 2021, an oblique strain during spring training forced him to miss the start of the regular season. That was a tough blow, especially since he wanted to build on his promising 2020 debut.
When he returned, he struggled on the mound, posting a 7.55 ERA before the Orioles sent him down to Triple-A Norfolk. That meant he had to rebuild his confidence and work through some mechanical issues.
Kremer worked closely with the Orioles’ pitching development staff during his recovery. His rehab focused on strengthening his core and improving his delivery to avoid more oblique problems.
Unlike teammates John Means and DL Hall, Kremer has managed to avoid major arm surgeries so far.
Tommy John Surgery Experience
Kremer has managed to avoid Tommy John surgery, but watching teammates go through it really left an impression on him. Seeing fellow pitchers struggle through the long recovery made him rethink how he takes care of his own arm.
He started a strict preventative maintenance program after witnessing what his teammates endured. Now, he focuses on shoulder strengthening, keeps his forearms flexible, and pays close attention to his pitch counts.
The Orioles have watched Kremer’s workload closely, especially since they brought him in as part of their rebuilding plans. That caution seems to have worked, since he’s stayed healthier than a lot of other pitchers on the roster.
Kremer often points to those tough rehab stories as his motivation to protect his arm. “Seeing what guys go through with Tommy John really makes you appreciate every start,” he told reporters in 2024.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into Kremer’s development. When he debuted in 2020, everything felt off—empty stadiums, strict protocols, and none of the typical rookie experience.
He had to roll with ever-changing health rules just as he was trying to prove himself in the majors. With no minor league season that year, his preparation felt pretty unconventional.
Still, Kremer made the best of a weird situation and put up solid numbers in his first big league stint. In four starts, he posted a 4.82 ERA, which showed enough promise to help him land his current $2.95 million contract.
All the pandemic chaos forced Kremer to get mentally tougher. He worked with the Orioles’ mental skills coaches to stay focused, even when everything felt unpredictable. That mental resilience has stuck with him through the ups and downs of his career.
Playing Style and Team Contribution
Dean Kremer has become a reliable arm for the Orioles, blending solid mechanics with a smart approach on the mound. He mixes his pitches well and knows how to field his position, which makes him a real asset in the rotation.
Role in the Rotation
Kremer has carved out a steady role as a starter for Baltimore. Since breaking into the majors, he’s sharpened a four-pitch mix—a low-90s fastball, plus a curveball, slider, and changeup.
His curveball stands out the most, giving hitters a tough time with its sharp break. When he spots his fastball, it really opens up his secondary pitches.
Kremer’s stamina and steadiness make him especially valuable. He usually works deep into games, saving the bullpen some stress. In big moments, especially against division rivals, he’s kept his cool.
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has leaned on Kremer more and more in key games, showing real trust in his progress.
Defensive Abilities
Kremer isn’t just a pitcher—he handles himself well defensively on the mound. Quick reflexes and athleticism let him turn would-be hits into outs.
He’s sharp on bunts and comebackers, making fast decisions that help the team’s defensive plan. That quick thinking really benefits the Orioles, especially on tight plays.
Over time, Kremer has built strong chemistry with the Orioles’ catchers, talking through pitch choices and defensive setups. That teamwork has helped them keep opposing runners in check.
His fielding skills really shine in close games, where one defensive play can swing things. Kremer pays attention to the little things, and it rounds out his game as a pitcher.
Strategic Planning for Success
Kremer really digs into his game prep, and you can tell he cares about getting better. He studies opposing batters a lot, teaming up with the Orioles’ analytics department to spot weaknesses and cook up pitching strategies that work.
His game planning usually covers:
- Pitch sequencing that fits each batter
- Situational awareness so he can adjust on the fly
- Energy management to keep himself sharp for as long as possible
Kremer works side by side with pitching coaches to tweak his mechanics and overall approach. This partnership helps him get through rough patches and change things up when he faces the same team again.
As an Israeli-American pitcher, he shows a ton of mental toughness. Even in those nerve-wracking moments, he keeps his cool. You can see why the Baltimore Orioles trust him to stick to the plan and anchor their rotation all season.
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s