Gus Varland – Chicago White Sox Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Augustus “Gus” Varland has quietly become one of baseball’s emerging pitchers since his MLB debut. The right-hander now plays for the Chicago White Sox, bringing his own style to the majors after the team picked him up in the Rule 5 draft from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Varland makes $720,000 a year with the White Sox, and his net worth sits around $310,808—pretty typical for someone in the early stages of a pro baseball career.

Born on November 6, 1996, Varland’s path to the majors hasn’t exactly been straightforward. After Milwaukee snagged him from LA in the Rule 5 draft in December 2022, he eventually landed in Chicago.

His contract history shows a steady, if modest, rise—pretty much what you’d expect for a younger player trying to carve out a spot in the big leagues.

Varland’s story feels like the classic tale of a pitcher grinding to earn his place in MLB. The way he’s bounced between organizations says a lot about just how competitive pro baseball can get. Teams are always on the lookout for someone who might make an impact.

For White Sox fans, Varland brings some hope as an up-and-coming arm in the bullpen.

Gus Varland Biography

Augustus James Varland, or just Gus, has made a name for himself as a professional pitcher in Major League Baseball. His journey from Minnesota to the majors shows off his grit and what he can do on the mound.

Early Life and Background

Gus Varland was born on November 6, 1996, in Maplewood, Minnesota. He grew up around the Twin Cities, where the cold weather doesn’t exactly help baseball players get extra reps.

Now 28, Varland credits his Midwestern roots for shaping how he approaches the game. Maplewood, just outside St. Paul, has produced its share of tough athletes, and Varland definitely fits that mold.

He started out in local youth leagues and played high school ball, showing early on that he had something special as a pitcher.

Amateur and Collegiate Career

Varland kept working on his game at Concordia University in Minnesota. College gave him a chance to fine-tune his mechanics and learn more about the ins and outs of pitching.

During his time at Concordia, he faced solid competition and kept growing, not just as a pitcher but as a ballplayer who understood the game’s little details.

The hard work paid off when the Oakland Athletics picked him in the 14th round (413th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft. That moment marked the start of his pro career.

Professional Baseball Journey

After the draft in 2018, Varland began his pro career with the Oakland Athletics organization. He worked his way through the minors, and, like most pitchers, he had to adjust at each level.

He made his MLB debut after a few organizational changes. Now, Varland pitches for the Chicago White Sox, still working to sharpen his skills at the highest level.

His current deal pays him $720,000 per year, which is about right for a developing big leaguer. Apex Baseball Agency handles his representation.

Varland’s journey from the draft to the majors hasn’t been easy, but he’s stayed determined and kept grinding.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Gus Varland has been carving out his path in pro baseball since 2018. He’s gone from minor league hopeful to MLB pitcher, with a few memorable moments along the way.

Major League Debut

Varland broke into Major League Baseball as a Rule 5 draft pick, which is a pretty big deal for any player. The Oakland Athletics took him 413th overall in 2018, and he put in the work in the minors before finally getting his shot.

He got to show off his stuff against big league hitters for the first time, a moment that capped off years of hard work since his college days at Concordia-St. Paul.

Now with the Chicago White Sox, Varland keeps developing as a professional pitcher. That first appearance meant a lot—not just for him, but for anyone who’s ever chased the dream.

Notable Performances

Varland has put together some impressive outings that hint at his potential. He’s racked up 47 strikeouts through May 2025, showing he can get hitters out at this level.

He’s had to adapt to new teams and tough opponents, but he’s managed to hang in there. His work in the bullpen has made him a reliable option, especially in tight spots.

Some games stand out, like when he’s tossed multiple scoreless innings or escaped jams. You can see he doesn’t shy away from pressure, which is huge for a young reliever.

Awards and Recognitions

Varland hasn’t filled up a trophy case yet, but he did turn heads during his college career at Concordia-St. Paul, putting up numbers that helped get him drafted.

In the minors, he earned some respect within his organizations before making it to the majors. Even getting picked in the Rule 5 draft says a lot—teams don’t take that chance unless they really see something.

His annual salary of $720,000 is a sign he’s earned his spot in MLB. Just staying on a big league roster is a pretty strong endorsement of his talent.

Gus Varland Contract Details

Gus Varland’s pro career has included a few contract milestones as he works through early MLB service time. Right now, his contract reflects his pre-arbitration status, which definitely affects his future earning power.

Current Team and Contract Status

Varland plays for the Chicago White Sox under a one-year deal. The numbers say he’s making $720,000 for the 2025 season, with no signing bonus attached.

He’s still in the pre-arbitration phase, and as of January 2025, he’s logged just 0.169 years of MLB service time. That means he’s not close to hitting the three-year mark needed for salary arbitration.

For a player born in 1996, this kind of contract is standard—teams hold most of the cards for a while.

Previous Contracts and Transactions

Varland’s journey has included a few key moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers called him up from Triple-A Oklahoma City during the 2023 season, giving him a shot at the majors.

On August 23, 2023, he picked up his first big league win with the Dodgers. That was a big moment for him.

Before signing with the White Sox, Varland bounced between minor league stints and big league opportunities, building up his resume. These moves have shaped his current contract and net worth, which stands at an estimated $310,808.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Gus Varland’s financial picture matches what you’d expect for a young MLB player—most of his money comes from playing, not from endorsements or outside deals (at least not yet).

Estimated Net Worth

In 2025, Varland’s net worth is about $310,808. That’s the sum of his baseball paychecks since the A’s drafted him in the 14th round back in 2018.

Compared to veteran MLB guys, that number looks small, but it’s normal for a pitcher still trying to lock down a long-term spot.

Most of his money probably comes straight from his contracts, with investments and other assets likely still in the early stages as he keeps building his career with the White Sox.

Salary Breakdown

Varland’s current deal pays him $720,000 a year with the Chicago White Sox. That’s about what you’d expect for someone at his stage, pretty much lining up with the MLB minimum.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Annual salary: $720,000
• Signing bonus: $0
• Contract term: 1 year

It’s a standard early-career contract. If Varland keeps performing and nails down a bigger role, he’ll probably see a big jump in pay down the road.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Unlike the MLB stars who rake in endorsement deals, Varland hasn’t really broken into that world yet.

He’s still building his name as a pitcher with the White Sox, so most brands probably haven’t come calling. Players in his position usually focus on their game first—endorsements come later if they really stand out.

If he does land any deals, they’d likely be with:

• Local sports equipment shops
• Businesses in Chicago or back home in Maplewood, Minnesota
• Team events and smaller promos

If Varland keeps improving and becomes a key reliever, his endorsement chances will probably grow along with his reputation.

Personal Life and Off-Field Pursuits

Away from the field, Gus Varland keeps things pretty grounded. He stays connected to his Minnesota roots and values giving back.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Varland gives back to his community, especially in Maplewood. In the off-season, he heads home to run youth baseball clinics and help out the next generation of players.

He also gets involved with the White Sox’s community programs, showing up for hospital visits and charity events. After making it to the majors, he’s taken his platform more seriously and stepped up his efforts.

Education matters to him, too. He supports programs in both Chicago and Minnesota that push for academic achievement, drawing on his own time as a college grad from Concordia-St. Paul. He still keeps in touch with his alma mater and gives back where he can.

Interests Outside Baseball

When he’s not on the field, Varland likes to get outside—pretty typical for someone who grew up in Minnesota.

He spends a lot of the off-season fishing. It helps him unwind and just breathe for a while.

Varland also reads a lot. He’ll pass along book recommendations to teammates, especially on those endless road trips.

He gravitates toward non-fiction, mostly biographies about athletes or business leaders.

During the baseball season, Varland turns to technology and gaming for a break. Sometimes he’ll stream his video game sessions online, which gives him a more laid-back way to connect with fans.

Family means a lot to Varland. He often points to his parents and siblings as the reason he made it from amateur ball to professional baseball.

Whenever they can, his family shows up at his games, cheering him on no matter what team he’s playing for.