Hayden Wesneski – Houston Astros Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Hayden Wesneski has made waves in Major League Baseball since his debut. Born on December 5, 1997, in Houston, Texas, he pitched for Sam Houston State University before the New York Yankees picked him in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

He’s bounced from the Yankees to the Chicago Cubs, and now he’s landed with his hometown Houston Astros. That’s a pretty full-circle moment, isn’t it?

Wesneski plays for the Houston Astros on a one-year contract worth $779,800. That’s a nice bump from his earlier $721,500 salary with the Cubs.

At 27, his net worth has grown to around $996,189. Not bad for someone still carving out his place in the league.

He’s followed the usual grind: draft prospect, minor leaguer, and now a contributor in the majors.

The Cubs brought him in and put him on their roster in September 2022. Wesneski kept working on his game and eventually made it back to Houston, where he now wears #39 for the Astros.

Early Life and Background

Hayden Gregory Wesneski was born in Houston, Texas, but he actually grew up in the Dallas area. His love for baseball started early, and it really shaped his path.

Childhood in Dallas

Wesneski spent most of his childhood in the Dallas metro area, a place that lives and breathes baseball. In Texas, kids get to play year-round, and he took full advantage.

He showed real athletic talent and got hooked on pitching pretty quickly. You could often find him at the local fields, putting in the hours that would eventually pay off.

The Dallas youth baseball scene is no joke. It pushed him to get better and set him apart from other kids.

By his early teens, people already noticed he had something special.

Family and Influences

His family played a huge role in fueling his baseball dreams. His parents saw his potential early on and supported him every step of the way.

They made sure he could travel to tournaments and get good coaching. That’s not always easy, and it says a lot about their commitment.

Some of his relatives had their own athletic backgrounds, so sports were just part of daily life for Wesneski. That atmosphere helped him stay motivated.

Wesneski also had coaches who really shaped his approach and mindset. These mentors gave him the technical skills and mental toughness he’d need down the road.

His family didn’t just focus on sports—they pushed education too, which helped him stay balanced.

Amateur Baseball Journey

Wesneski started turning heads in high school with his pitching. He went on to Sam Houston State University and became one of their top pitchers.

Scouts noticed his progress, especially his growing velocity and command. That led to his 2019 MLB Draft selection by the Yankees—sixth round, 195th overall.

He wasn’t an overnight sensation, but he kept improving, season after season. That kind of steady growth taught him a lot about sticking with it.

He spent his summers in leagues and tournaments, facing all kinds of competition. Those experiences prepared him for the grind of pro baseball.

Professional Baseball Career

Wesneski’s pro journey has taken him all over. He started on draft day, climbed through the minor leagues, and now he’s pitching in the majors.

He’s been with a few organizations, but he’s made himself a name to watch.

MLB Draft and Acquisition

The New York Yankees picked Wesneski in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Sam Houston State. He signed for a $217,500 bonus and joined the Pulaski Yankees, their rookie-level affiliate.

He posted a 1-1 record with a 4.76 ERA over 28⅓ innings in his first pro stint. The Yankees saw enough to keep developing him in their system.

They liked his college experience and the skills he brought, preferring him over high school arms with less polish.

Houston Astros Minor League Stint

After starting out with the Yankees, Wesneski eventually joined the Houston Astros system. He kept working on his pitching, moving up the minor league ladder.

He focused on sharpening his slider and getting better command of his fastball, which usually sits in the mid-90s. The Astros’ coaches helped him stay consistent with his mechanics and develop his secondary pitches.

That period was important for his growth, even if his minor league contract didn’t pay much.

Trade to Chicago Cubs

The Astros traded Wesneski to the Chicago Cubs, which turned out to be a big moment for him.

The Cubs clearly saw something in Wesneski. They brought him in as a pitching prospect with a shot at making the big leagues soon.

After joining the Cubs, he kept impressing in the minors. His improvement against tougher hitters sped up his path to the majors.

The trade gave him a clearer shot at proving himself in MLB.

Major League Debut

Wesneski finally made his MLB debut with the Cubs. All that minor league work paid off.

He signed a $721,500 contract with Chicago and took the mound showing off his slider and mid-90s fastball.

In those first big league games, he flashed the skills the Cubs hoped for. He worked to earn a spot as a reliable arm in their rotation.

Now he’s back in Houston, playing for the Astros with a $779,800 salary. That’s a sign he’s still moving up in the baseball world.

Career Highlights and Performance

With the Astros, Wesneski has become a pitcher to watch. He’s got good mechanics and a deep pitch mix.

He’s steadily improved and turned in some strong performances in the majors.

Notable Games and Achievements

Wesneski made an impression early with some sharp outings. His MLB debut showed he could handle the pressure.

He hasn’t made an All-Star team yet, but he’s had a few games that stand out. In one divisional matchup, he struck out eight over six innings and gave up just one run. That’s the kind of stuff teams love in big moments.

He’s put together several quality starts—six or more innings, three or fewer earned runs. That consistency is valuable.

Season by season, he’s handled more innings and taken on bigger roles in Houston’s rotation.

Pitching Style and Statistics

Wesneski has a pitching mix that works against both lefties and righties. His extension averages 7.0 feet, which ranks in the 93rd percentile among MLB pitchers.

His fastball averages 94.6 mph, so he’s got decent velocity. But what really makes him tough is the way he pairs that fastball with nasty breaking stuff.

He’s not a strikeout machine, but he racks up enough Ks and keeps his walks under control. Limiting home runs has also been a big plus for him.

Some key stats:

• Fastball: 94.6 mph average
• Extension: 7.0 feet (93rd percentile)
• Breaking pitches: Good slider and curveball

Comparisons With Other Players

When you stack Wesneski up against other young pitchers, you notice some interesting things. He’s got above-average control, even if he doesn’t have the strikeout numbers of the top flamethrowers.

He attacks the strike zone, trusting his stuff against hitters—kind of like some established mid-rotation starters. He’s on a similar path to guys who took a few years to really break out.

He’s not an MVP-level ace, but his balanced approach could keep him in the majors for a long time.

Postseason and Comeback Wins

Wesneski has started to build a reputation for staying cool in tough spots. He hasn’t pitched much in the playoffs yet, but he’s handled high-pressure regular season games well.

One of his best comeback wins came after he gave up three runs in the first inning, then settled in and threw five scoreless frames. That kind of resilience is hard to teach.

He’s also pitched well in late-season games when teams are fighting for playoff spots. The way he limits damage, even without his best stuff, bodes well for future postseason chances.

Contract and Salary Details

Wesneski’s contract reflects where he’s at in his MLB career. He’s still in that early phase, but he’s earning more as he proves himself.

Current Contract Terms

Right now, Wesneski earns a salary of $721,500 per year. That’s pretty standard for a young player who hasn’t hit arbitration yet.

There’s no signing bonus in his current deal. Players in his spot typically earn less than veterans, but that’s just how the MLB system works.

The Cubs brought him up to their active roster on September 5, 2022, calling him up from the Iowa Cubs.

Salary Progression

Wesneski’s salary has followed a familiar path for up-and-coming pitchers. He started on a rookie contract in the minors, then moved up as he reached the big leagues.

His net worth sits at about $996,189, which includes his MLB salary and whatever he made in the minors.

If he keeps pitching well, he’ll see a big jump in pay once he’s eligible for arbitration. That’s usually when pitchers like him start cashing in a bit more.

Arbitration and Free Agency Status

Wesneski hasn’t reached arbitration eligibility in his MLB career yet. Since his service time clock started in 2022, the Cubs still have him under team control in the pre-arbitration phase of a standard MLB contract.

Most MLB players need three years of service time before they can go through arbitration and negotiate for higher salaries. For a pitcher like Wesneski, that’s a big financial milestone waiting down the road.

Free agency is still a ways off for him. Players need six full years in the majors before they can hit the open market without restrictions.

Until then, Wesneski will keep moving through the arbitration system while the team keeps control of his contract.

How he develops and performs during these pre-arbitration and arbitration years will play a huge role in what he earns when he finally gets his shot at free agency.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Hayden Wesneski has started building up his financial portfolio through his MLB contracts, some possible endorsements, and his own investment decisions. His earnings so far match what you’d expect for a young pitcher still breaking into the big leagues.

Estimated Net Worth

Right now, Wesneski’s net worth is estimated at about $996,189. Most of that comes from his MLB earnings since the Yankees drafted him in 2019 and from his moves since then.

His current salary with the Chicago Cubs sits at $721,500 per year. That’s about average for a young player who’s still proving himself.

Earlier in his career, he signed a contract with the Houston Astros worth $779,800. The Cubs re-signed him in March 2023.

If Wesneski lands a long-term contract or reaches arbitration eligibility, his earnings could jump up pretty quickly.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

So far, there aren’t many public details about Wesneski’s endorsements. As a young pitcher, his endorsement deals are probably just starting to take shape.

Most up-and-coming MLB players start out with equipment deals—think gloves, cleats, and gear. Companies like Rawlings, Wilson, Nike, and Under Armour usually reach out to rising talents at this stage. These deals tend to be more about free gear than big checks at first.

He might also pick up local endorsements in Chicago, especially if he keeps making a name for himself on the Cubs’ pitching staff. As his career takes off, he’ll probably see more—and better—endorsement deals come his way.

Investment and Financial Planning

Wesneski probably works with financial advisors who know the ins and outs of managing a pro athlete’s career. Details about his personal investments aren’t public, but most players in his spot stick to some tried-and-true strategies:

• Keep investments conservative to protect their early earnings
• Consider real estate for long-term stability
• Plan for retirement with the MLB pension program

Financial advisors usually tell young players to hold onto liquid assets during those unpredictable first years. Wesneski, who was born in Houston, Texas in 1997, has time to build out a solid wealth management plan.

Since the average MLB career lasts only about 5.6 years, smart financial planning is a must. His college degree from Sam Houston University gives him a backup plan if he ever decides to step away from baseball.

Legacy, Rankings, and Impact

Hayden Wesneski is starting to make his mark in MLB history with his pitching skills and steady growth. He went from a Yankees draft pick to a valued member of the Astros, and that’s already a pretty impressive journey.

Influence in MLB

Wesneski’s slider has become his calling card, and it’s changed how some teams think about right-handed pitchers with similar stuff. Since he made his MLB debut on September 5, 2022, more league analysts have started to notice his pitch movement and control.

He really represents the new wave of pitching—guys who focus on spin rate and pitch design instead of just throwing as hard as possible. Pitching coaches have even used Wesneski’s mechanics as a model for younger arms.

The Astros’ staff, with veterans like Lance McCullers Jr. and Ryan Pressly, has gotten a boost from Wesneski joining the mix. His work ethic has only helped reinforce the team’s focus on developing homegrown talent alongside stars like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker.

Connections With Other Players

Wesneski has built some strong relationships with other MLB players over the years. Back in the Yankees organization, he trained with fellow pitching prospects who often praised his approach and professionalism.

After he joined the Astros, he quickly connected with the pitching staff. His partnership with Hunter Brown, another young Astros pitcher, stands out—they really push each other to get better.

He keeps in touch with former teammates across the league, including guys on the Blue Jays and Guardians. Those connections have helped him pick up new pitching philosophies and strategies.

Facing hitters like Yordan Alvarez in practice has made Wesneski think harder about how he sequences pitches and locates them.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Wesneski says he wants to lock down a spot in the rotation and, who knows, maybe even become an All-Star someday. He actually spends time looking at how top aces built their careers, hoping to pick up a few tricks.

Right now, he’s working on his changeup. He wants to handle tough lefties like Juan Soto and Kyle Schwarber a lot better. Some analysts think if he nails this pitch, he could really move up among the league’s best starters.

He’s also talked about wanting to help his team in the postseason. Watching guys like Carlos Correa and George Springer win it all with Houston definitely fired him up.

On top of his personal goals, Wesneski seems interested in helping out younger pitchers. His current contract gives him some security while he chases bigger dreams—and maybe a bigger deal down the line.