Esteury Ruiz – Athletics Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Esteury Ruiz has quickly become one of baseball’s most intriguing young talents. He was born on February 15, 1999, in Azua, Dominican Republic. The speedy outfielder has already made his mark with some eye-catching baserunning skills.

Recently, the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up Ruiz after they acquired him in a trade from the Oakland Athletics.

As of 2025, Esteury Ruiz earns a salary of $720,000 per year, and his estimated net worth sits somewhere between $927,688 and $5 million, depending on who you ask. That’s a big step up for the centerfielder, who keeps finding ways to grow his career after his debut in the majors.

Ruiz’s journey from the Dominican Republic to MLB shows off his determination and raw athleticism. His contract details reflect his current spot in the league, but his ceiling still looks pretty high as he keeps sharpening his game with the Dodgers.

Early Life and Background

Esteury Ruiz’s path from the Dominican Republic to professional baseball really highlights his drive and natural athletic talent.

His early years shaped how he approaches the game. Those days set the groundwork for what was coming.

Family and Upbringing

Esteury Ruiz was born on February 15, 1999, in Azua Province, Dominican Republic. Some sources mention Barahona, but official baseball records back up Azua as his birthplace.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Ruiz lived in a country obsessed with baseball, a place that’s produced so many MLB stars over the years.

His family doesn’t show up much in public records, but they played a big role in his early development.

Economic challenges in the Dominican Republic push a lot of young athletes like Ruiz to see baseball as more than just a game—it’s a possible way to help their families find stability.

Influences and Inspirations

Ruiz honed his baseball skills on the sandlots and informal fields that dot the Dominican Republic. Like so many Dominican players, he probably looked up to local stars who made it big in MLB.

The competitive world of Dominican youth baseball, where scouts frequently watch for talent, shaped Ruiz’s athletic growth.

His speed stood out even when he was a kid.

Local coaches and mentors spotted his potential early, especially his quick hands and knack for stealing bases.

While his specific training routine stays private, he followed the usual path for Dominican prospects: intense baseball academy sessions designed to catch MLB scouts’ attention.

By his mid-teens, Ruiz had built up the skills that eventually led to his pro signing and, not long after, his MLB debut in 2022.

Professional Baseball Career

Esteury Ruiz’s professional journey has included plenty of team changes, quick development as a prospect, and growing buzz for his speed and defense in the outfield.

Minor League Development

Ruiz started his pro career in the San Diego Padres organization after signing as an international free agent. He showed off speed and versatility in the infield before shifting to the outfield.

In the minors, Ruiz built a reputation as a top base stealer. Coaches focused on helping him improve his contact skills and defensive positioning.

By 2022, he had become one of the most prolific base stealers in the minors.

The Padres invested a lot of time in his development, trying to turn his raw athleticism into real production on the field.

Coaches liked his work ethic and his ability to adjust as he climbed through the ranks.

Major League Debut and Progression

Ruiz made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2022. The team called him up after he put up strong numbers in the minors, especially when it came to stealing bases.

After his debut, Ruiz landed in a big trade package that sent him to the Oakland Athletics.

With Oakland, he got more regular playing time and a real chance to show what he could do.

He made his biggest impact with his defensive range and blazing speed. Ruiz kept working on his approach at the plate while providing value as a defensive sub and pinch runner.

By 2025, Ruiz had carved out a spot in the majors, earning a salary of $720,000 that reflects his growing role.

Notable Trades and Team Changes

Trades have played a huge part in Ruiz’s career so far. The Padres first traded him to the Athletics in a multi-player deal, showing just how much teams value his upside.

Later, Ruiz joined the Kansas City Royals on a minor league contract. That move gave him a shot at more playing time in a rebuilding club focused on young talent.

Heading into 2025, several teams—including some in the NL Central—showed interest in Ruiz for his defensive flexibility and base-stealing skills.

These moves exposed Ruiz to different coaching styles and development systems. Each stop brought new challenges and opportunities for him to prove himself.

Contract Details and Salary Analysis

Esteury Ruiz’s financial story in MLB reflects his growth as a player who brings serious speed to the table.

His contract terms, salary progression, and place in the market show how teams value his unique skills.

Current Contract Terms

Esteury Ruiz currently plays under a 1-year contract with the Athletics, though he was just traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Right now, he’s making $720,000 per year, with no signing bonus included.

This kind of contract is pretty typical for players in their pre-arbitration years.

The Dodgers picked up Ruiz during the offseason, adding his speed without taking on a big financial risk.

It’s a standard entry-level MLB deal, giving the Dodgers roster flexibility and giving Ruiz a chance to boost his value before arbitration.

Salary History and Growth

Ruiz’s salary has followed the usual path for young guys breaking into the majors. His net worth is estimated at $927,688, which matches up with his early career earnings.

After reaching MLB, he saw his value rise, especially after his 2023 season when he led the American League with 67 stolen bases.

That kind of performance probably played a big role in the Dodgers’ decision to bring him in.

At 26 years old, Ruiz is in a great spot to cash in during future contract talks if he keeps running wild on the bases.

His salary should jump once he becomes arbitration eligible.

Comparisons with Peers

Compared to other base-stealing specialists, Ruiz’s contract lines up with his limited big-league experience.

Veteran speedsters with more time under their belt usually land multi-year deals and bigger paydays.

Teams seem to appreciate creative baserunning even more now, especially with rule changes making steals more common.

If Ruiz keeps up his pace as a former AL stolen base leader, he might be in for a nice raise when free agency rolls around.

Net Worth Overview

Esteury Ruiz has built up his financial base mostly through his MLB contracts, with some possible help from endorsements.

His net worth is still a moving target as his career continues.

Sources of Income

Ruiz makes most of his money from his baseball salary. In 2025, he’s earning $720,000 a year with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That’s just his base pay, not counting any signing bonuses.

He started collecting MLB paychecks after debuting on July 12, 2022.

Before the Dodgers, Ruiz played for the Oakland Athletics, signing a one-year deal that added to his total earnings.

Financial estimates vary. SalarySport puts his net worth at about $927,688, but other sources go as high as around $5 million for 2025.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Details about Ruiz’s endorsement deals stay mostly under wraps.

Most MLB players at his stage start building relationships with sporting goods brands and local companies.

Born in Azua, Dominican Republic, Ruiz probably has some sponsorship ties both in the U.S. and back home.

As he gains more attention in MLB, Ruiz’s appeal to sponsors should grow.

Players with his speed often attract interest from athletic apparel and equipment companies.

In interviews, Ruiz tends to keep the focus on baseball, not business.

His management team probably looks for endorsement deals that fit his reputation as an electric outfielder and base stealer.

Notable Achievements and Impact

Esteury Ruiz has quickly made a name for himself since debuting in 2022.

His speed and defensive skills have set him apart, creating big moments for fans and real value for his teams.

Standout Performances

Ruiz’s MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in July 2022 kicked off his major league journey.

He wasted no time showing off his base-stealing talent.

In the minors, Ruiz grabbed headlines as a Baseball America Minor League All-Star.

He picked up Player of the Week honors in both the Texas League and California League.

After the trade to the Oakland Athletics, Ruiz got more steady playing time and really put his speed on display.

Pitchers and catchers had to keep an eye on him every time he reached base.

Role in Key Games and Series

In important divisional games, Ruiz’s speed often created scoring chances that shifted the game’s momentum.

His range in the outfield saved runs in close contests, especially when he played alongside guys like Christian Yelich with the Brewers.

Against tough bullpens with closers like Josh Hader, Ruiz’s knack for getting on base and stealing bags gave his team a strategic edge.

Pitchers had to split their focus, which helped hitters behind him.

With the Milwaukee Brewers, Ruiz played a role in their playoff push, giving manager Craig Counsell a dangerous pinch-running weapon late in games.

His speed paired well with the power bats of teammates like Willy Adames and added a new wrinkle to the Brewers’ offense.

Awards and Recognitions

Ruiz has picked up several minor league accolades. He grabbed a spot as a California League Mid-Season All-Star.

He also earned recognition as an MiLB.com Organization All-Star. That nod really highlights the value he brought to the farm system.

It’s still early in his major league journey, but Ruiz has already gained respect for his baserunning. Baseball analysts often mention his sprint speed and base-stealing skills—some even say they’re among the best in the league.

Ruiz’s defensive metrics have started to draw attention, too. His improved outfield play now complements his work at the plate.

When he played alongside pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, Ruiz’s defense turned potential hits into valuable outs. That’s not something every young player can say.