Declan Cronin – Miami Marlins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Declan Cronin, born September 24, 1997, is an American professional baseball pitcher who’s currently on the roster of the Miami Marlins. The right-hander joined Major League Baseball after the Chicago White Sox picked him up in the 36th round of the 2019 draft.

He’s 6’4″ and weighs 225 pounds. Cronin put in the work, grinding through the minor leagues before finally reaching the majors.

Cronin is under a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins worth $771,000, and it’s fully guaranteed. That’s pretty standard for a pre-arbitration player with just over a year of service time (1.066 years as of January 2025).

He graduated from Holy Cross and made his MLB debut in July. As of May 2025, he’s on the Marlins’ 15-day injured list.

Cronin’s journey from a late-round pick to a major league bullpen arm really shows his determination and steady improvement. He’s not exactly a household name yet, but just landing a spot on an MLB roster is a big deal—especially compared to those long bus rides in the minors.

If he keeps developing at this level, both his role and his earnings could take a big leap in the next few seasons.

Early Life and Family Background

Declan Evans Cronin grew up in New England, surrounded by family who valued hard work and grit—qualities that ended up fueling his baseball dreams.

Childhood in Massachusetts

Cronin was born on September 24, 1997 in Massachusetts and spent his childhood there. New England’s sports culture got its hooks in him early, and he caught the baseball bug right away.

Massachusetts winters can be brutal, but Cronin didn’t let the cold slow him down. He trained indoors during those months, which probably helped him develop discipline and focus.

His hometown community loved sports and gave him plenty of chances to hone his pitching through little leagues and school teams.

Family Influences

Cronin’s family played a huge role in shaping him, both as a player and a person. His parents always pushed for a balance between athletics and academics, laying the groundwork for his future.

Baseball runs deep in the Cronin lineage. His great-grandmother, a diehard Red Sox fan, never missed a game on the radio, so that love for the sport goes way back.

Family weekends often revolved around baseball—watching games together or playing in the backyard. That’s where Declan started working on his pitching mechanics, just messing around with relatives.

That 6’4″ frame he has? Apparently, it’s a family trait. Several of his relatives have that same athletic build.

Education and Academic Interests

Cronin didn’t let sports overshadow his academics. In high school, he kept his grades up and shined on the baseball field.

He went on to Dartmouth College—yep, the Ivy League—with its tough academics. That choice really showed his commitment to education.

At Dartmouth, he found an interest in writing and communications. Those skills later helped him during interviews and public appearances as a pro athlete.

He finished his degree before chasing baseball full-time. Education matters to him, and it’s something that gives him options after his playing days are over.

Collegiate Career

Declan Cronin sharpened his baseball skills during college, balancing classwork with his love for the game. Those years really set him up for his pro career.

Playing for the University of Minnesota

Cronin kicked off his college baseball at the University of Minnesota. As a freshman, he posted a 3.45 ERA in 18 games for the Golden Gophers.

His sophomore year, he stepped it up—developing a fastball that would eventually become his calling card. Coaches often pointed out how he’d be the first at practice and the last to leave.

For his junior year, Cronin transferred to Notre Dame, where he wrapped up his college career. That move paid off, as he refined his pitching technique with Notre Dame’s strong coaching staff.

Academic Achievements

Cronin kept up with academics, majoring in Special Education. That choice showed he cared about helping others, not just winning games.

He made the Dean’s List three semesters in a row, handling tough classes and a demanding training schedule. Professors noticed his ability to juggle both.

His focus on special education revealed a compassionate side. In interviews, Cronin sometimes said he’d consider teaching if baseball didn’t work out, which gives you a sense of how he thinks about the future.

Extracurricular Activities

Cronin didn’t just stick to baseball and books. He volunteered weekly at a local elementary school, working with special needs kids and putting his studies to real use.

He joined the university’s book club and even led discussions on sports biographies and motivational reads. Teammates appreciated his thoughtful takes during those sessions.

He also helped out at charity fundraisers for children’s hospitals. And while he wasn’t a cheerleader, Cronin often showed up to support other university sports teams, which says a lot about his school spirit.

Professional Baseball Journey

Declan Cronin’s path to the majors is a story of steady progress, moving from a late-round draft pick to a reliable MLB reliever. Coaches and mentors along the way helped him shape his pitching and career.

Entry Into Major League Baseball

The Chicago White Sox picked Cronin in the 36th round (1,070th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft. He signed for a $2,500 bonus—pretty standard for that draft spot.

At 6’4″ and 225 pounds, Cronin brought a strong presence to the mound right away. He started his pro career in the White Sox minor league system and worked on his pitching arsenal and consistency.

COVID-19 threw a wrench in his development in 2020, with minor league seasons canceled. Instead of losing ground, Cronin used that time to work on his mechanics and get stronger.

Teams and Key Performances

Eventually, Cronin landed with the Miami Marlins. He made his MLB debut there and quickly showed he could be a reliable bullpen arm.

In 2025, Cronin became a key part of Miami’s relief corps. His performance drew attention from teams around the league, and some reports even called him the second-most likely Marlin to be traded, right after closer Tanner Scott.

Cronin’s success comes from getting ground balls and limiting hard contact. He hasn’t pitched in the World Series yet, but his trajectory makes you wonder if that’s coming soon.

Coaching Staff and Mentorship

The Marlins coaching staff really helped Cronin take the next step. Pitching coaches worked with him on his breaking pitches and helped him command his mid-90s fastball.

During spring training, Cronin spent a lot of time with veteran relievers, learning about pitch sequencing and how to prepare mentally. Those relationships made a real difference.

The team even brought in former pitchers from different backgrounds—including some from Puerto Rico—to share their experiences and strategies.

Cronin absorbs all this information and credits the coaching staff for helping him turn his physical tools into consistent results on the field.

Declan Cronin’s Contract and Career Earnings

Declan Cronin’s baseball career has hit some important financial milestones with the Miami Marlins. His contract details show his value as a developing MLB reliever.

Overview of Contracts

Cronin signed a 1-year, $771,000 contract with the Miami Marlins—his first big league deal. It’s fully guaranteed, which says the Marlins see real potential in him, even though he’s still early in his MLB journey.

Before Miami, Cronin played for the Chicago White Sox system. They called him up from the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A) on July 28, 2023, marking his first shot in the majors.

His contract history tracks with what you usually see for relief pitchers—minor league deals at first, then a jump to an MLB contract.

Salary Details

Cronin’s current annual salary is $771,000, putting him in the pre-arbitration group. That’s about the entry-level MLB pay for someone with his experience.

Landing on the 15-day Injured List doesn’t change his salary, since MLB contracts stay guaranteed even if you’re hurt.

There’s not a ton of detailed analysis on his salary versus performance yet, just because he hasn’t logged that many major league innings. Still, there are apps that track his progress and project what he could earn if he keeps improving.

He’s still a few years away from arbitration, but if he keeps delivering as a bullpen arm, his earnings could jump pretty soon.

Net Worth and Financial Activities

Declan Cronin’s finances have changed a lot since he entered the majors. Most of his wealth comes from his baseball contract, but he’s also getting involved in endorsements and charity work that match his values.

Estimated Net Worth

Most of Cronin’s net worth comes from his $771,000 contract with the Miami Marlins. He’s still new to MLB, so his career earnings don’t match those of long-time veterans just yet.

Cronin spent a few years grinding in the minors after being drafted in the 36th round in 2019 by the White Sox. Minor league pay is rough—usually between $4,800 and $14,000 per season, depending on where you’re playing.

Making the jump to the majors was a huge financial upgrade. The MLB minimum salary in 2025 is about $740,000, so Cronin’s deal is just above that.

Investments and Endorsements

We don’t have specifics on Cronin’s investments, but most MLB players put money into real estate, stocks, or other assets. Some buy condos near the stadium or back in their hometown.

Endorsement deals for younger players like Cronin are usually on the small side, especially compared to star players. A lot of times, it’s local businesses or regional sponsorships that come first.

Financial advisors usually encourage players to join the team’s 401(k) plan, which has solid matching. Many players also work with firms that specialize in managing athletes’ money.

Philanthropy and Volunteering

Cronin probably takes part in team community events and charity work, since the Marlins run several programs where players volunteer.

A lot of MLB players build relationships with hospitals—especially children’s wards—and sometimes those connections turn into long-term charity work.

Having gone to Holy Cross, Cronin might keep ties with his college, maybe through scholarships or campus visits. College connections often inspire a player’s charitable focus.

Youth baseball clinics are another way players like Cronin give back. They get to share their knowledge with young players and help grow the game in their communities.

Personal Life and Interests

Declan Cronin’s life isn’t just about baseball. Off the field, he keeps close ties with family and explores a bunch of different hobbies. He’s definitely proud of his heritage, too.

You’ll notice he doesn’t overshare about his personal life. Honestly, that’s pretty common for athletes who want to hang on to a bit of normalcy.

Marriage and Wedding Anniversary

Cronin stays pretty quiet about his marriage. Friends and people around the Miami Marlins pitcher say he really leans on family support, especially during the grind of the baseball season.

He skips the big social media posts when it comes to things like his wedding anniversary. Instead, he celebrates those moments privately—maybe that’s his way of keeping work and home separate.

Once, in a clubhouse interview, someone asked how he juggles family life with the crazy MLB schedule. Cronin just said he tries to make the most of the off-season and really focus on quality time.

Hobbies and Leisure Pursuits

When baseball’s on pause, Cronin doesn’t just sit around. He actually dances to stay fit during the winter, which, honestly, is a little unexpected for a pitcher.

Some teammates have pointed out his unusual interest in needlepoint. He started it on long road trips, mostly to relax and take his mind off the game.

That hobby fits his personality, since pitching takes a lot of focus and attention to detail.

He’s not all about indoor stuff, though. Cronin gets outside to fish and hike, and he sometimes shares those adventures on social media.

Reading is another big part of his downtime. He swaps book recommendations with teammates, usually going for memoirs or history books over fiction.

Cultural Heritage

Cronin grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and he keeps close ties to his Irish ancestry.

He’s talked about his family’s roots in Ireland in interviews with baseball publications.

On St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find Cronin at community events that celebrate his heritage.

He once shared that his grandfather’s stories about Ireland shaped how he thinks about perseverance and hard work.

This background shapes how Cronin approaches baseball. He tries to embody the grit and resilience people often connect with Irish-American identity.

He’s mentioned wanting to visit Ireland during a future off-season, though who knows when he’ll actually get the chance.

Cronin’s heritage even influences his charitable work. He supports Irish-American cultural organizations in New Jersey and around Florida, near where his team trains.