Jacob Latz – Texas Rangers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jacob Latz, a left-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, has worked his way up the professional ladder since his 2017 draft. Born on April 8, 1996, in Lemont, Illinois, the Rangers picked him in the fifth round (164th overall) after he played college ball at Kent State.

Jacob Latz agreed to a one-year contract worth $760,000 with the Texas Rangers. The deal guarantees him the full amount and reflects his current value in Major League Baseball.

Latz finally made his MLB debut on August 25, 2021, after years of grinding through the minors. He kicked off his pro career with a signing bonus of $386,100 when the Rangers drafted him.

He’s still carving out his place in the majors, and his net worth sits at an estimated $401,435, which makes sense for someone still in the early stages of his career.

At 29, Latz continues to fight for a steady role in the Rangers’ bullpen. He’s taken the path most MLB players know well—long stretches in the minors before finally getting a shot to prove himself at the top level.

Fans and analysts keep a close eye on Latz, curious to see how this lefty’s story with Texas will play out.

Early Life and Background

Jacob Eugene Latz was born in Lemont, Illinois, on April 8, 1996. That’s where he started building the foundation for his baseball future.

His upbringing in the Midwest and his education both shaped his journey toward professional baseball.

Family Origins

Latz grew up in Lemont, a suburb southwest of Chicago. His family supported his early baseball dreams, giving him the encouragement he needed.

There isn’t much public info about his family, but living near Chicago put him right in the middle of a baseball-loving region with the Cubs and White Sox nearby.

Communities like Lemont often value hard work and perseverance. Those traits have clearly stuck with Latz as he’s moved through his career.

With a population of around 17,000, Lemont has produced its share of athletes.

Those years in Illinois helped shape Latz’s competitive edge and work ethic—qualities that have followed him into the pros.

Education and Student Achievement

Latz went to Lemont High School, where he stood out as a top baseball prospect. His achievements in both academics and athletics opened doors for him after graduation.

He chose to continue his education and baseball career at Louisiana State University (LSU). LSU’s baseball program is one of the best in the country, and Latz managed to juggle a tough student-athlete schedule while sharpening his pitching with the Tigers.

Later, he transferred to Kent State University. The Texas Rangers eventually drafted him in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

At Kent State, he kept showing both athletic skill and academic dedication.

Emigrants and Cultural Influences

Latz isn’t an emigrant, but his career path has taken him all over. He’s moved from Illinois to Louisiana for college, then to Kent State, and finally into pro baseball with the Rangers.

The Midwest and South both influenced Latz as an athlete. He picked up a lot from the strong baseball traditions in those regions, especially at a place like LSU with its die-hard fans.

Moving around the country exposed him to different coaching styles and training methods. Those experiences helped him grow as a pitcher.

All those influences came together by the time he made his MLB debut on August 25, 2021.

Professional Baseball Career

Jacob Latz has traveled the long road from minor league hopeful to major league pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He entered the draft in 2017 and reached the majors in 2021.

Career Beginnings

The Texas Rangers drafted Latz in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Kent State. The team gave him a $386,100 bonus—higher than the $288,500 slot value—which really showed their belief in him.

Latz worked his way through the Rangers’ minor league system. He developed his pitching skills at several levels, and his left-handed delivery helped him stand out.

He made stops at multiple affiliate teams, facing tougher hitters as he moved up. Those years in the minors were vital for building his stamina and refining his technique.

Major League Debut

Latz hit a major milestone when he debuted in the MLB on August 25, 2021 with the Texas Rangers. At 25, the Lemont native finally realized his dream of pitching in the bigs.

He faced Minnesota in his first game and got his first real taste of major league competition. That moment meant a lot, representing years of dedication to his craft.

Since then, Latz has been working to cement his spot in the majors. He signed a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Rangers, which lines up with where he is in his career.

His net worth is currently estimated at $401,435, and there’s a good chance that will rise if he sticks around.

Jacob Latz Contract Details

Jacob Latz’s time in professional baseball comes with a contract that reflects his potential and performance. The terms spell out his current standing in the league.

Current Contract Breakdown

Latz is on a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Texas Rangers. He gets the entire amount as guaranteed money, which offers some financial peace of mind.

This contract falls within the MLB minimum salary range, which is pretty standard for players just breaking into the majors.

His annual average salary sits at $760,000 for this deal.

Latz’s net worth is about $401,435, which factors in his earnings from both the majors and minors.

When the Rangers picked him in the 2017 draft (5th round, 164th overall), he received a $386,100 signing bonus to kick off his pro career.

Negotiation Highlights

The Rangers called Latz up from Triple-A Round Rock on August 25, 2021, marking his first shot at the majors.

Just five days later, on August 30, they sent him back to Triple-A. This back-and-forth between the minors and majors affected his service time.

Negotiations for his contract probably took into account his college performance at Kent State, where he showed the promise that got him drafted.

His moves between levels have followed standard MLB rules about player options and service time.

His contract sticks to MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, which protects player rights and ensures everyone follows the same process.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Jacob Latz has built up a modest financial base during his time with the Texas Rangers. Most of his earnings come from his MLB contract, but there are a few other sources in the mix.

Estimated Net Worth

Latz’s net worth is estimated at $401,435, which lines up with his early career stage. His current salary is the main reason for that number.

He’s on a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Rangers, which is fully guaranteed. His annual salary puts him on the lower end of MLB pay, but that’s typical for players just getting started.

As a lefty from Lemont, Illinois, Latz hasn’t landed one of those big multi-year contracts yet, but who knows what the future holds?

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Latz hasn’t made much noise yet in the world of endorsements. Unlike the big stars, he hasn’t raked in millions from brand deals.

Most of his sponsorships have been with local Texas businesses or community efforts. These smaller gigs usually bring in some extra cash, which helps at this stage of his career.

He’s taken part in team-sponsored community events, which helps get his name out there. If he manages to secure a bigger spot in the Rangers’ rotation, he could see more endorsement opportunities down the line.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Off the field, Jacob Latz spends time and resources supporting charitable causes and advocacy work. His own experiences have pushed him to get involved with healthcare and human rights.

Philanthropic Efforts

In 2022, Latz started the “Pitch for Change” foundation, aiming to help underprivileged youth in Texas. The group provides baseball gear and coaching to kids who might not otherwise get the chance to play.

After his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2021, Latz teamed up with Dallas schools to create reading programs. These programs reward academic success with baseball tickets and memorabilia.

“Giving back isn’t optional for me—it’s essential,” Latz said at the foundation’s annual fundraiser. His charity brings in about $175,000 a year through charity baseball games that feature current and former Rangers players.

He’s also pitched in for disaster relief, especially after hurricanes in Haiti. In 2021, he helped fund school rebuilding projects there.

Support for Cancer Awareness

Cancer advocacy hit close to home for Latz when his mom got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Since then, he’s become a strong supporter of early detection and research funding.

Latz takes part in MLB’s annual “Strike Out Cancer” campaign, donating $1,000 for every strikeout he notches during Cancer Awareness Month. Most of that money goes to breast and colon cancer research.

In 2023, Latz started advocating for prostate cancer awareness after his father-in-law’s diagnosis. He now works with the American Cancer Society to promote screenings, especially for men over 45.

“Early detection saved my mom’s life,” Latz said in a public service announcement. “That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging regular screenings and supporting research for all types of cancer, including large cell lymphoma and cervical cancer.”

Engagement With Human Rights

Latz really dove into human rights advocacy in 2022. He traveled to Haiti with an MLB humanitarian group, and that trip shook him up.

Afterward, he jumped in with organizations fighting poverty and pushing for better access to education.

He acts as an ambassador for “Athletes Against Abuse.” That group works to keep kids safe from sexual abuse, mainly through education and prevention efforts.

Latz often visits schools. He talks with students and staff about building safer spaces for children.

“What I witnessed in Haiti changed my perspective forever,” Latz admitted in an interview. “Professional athletes have a platform, and I believe we have a responsibility to use it for positive change.”

In 2024, Latz helped kick off a campaign focused on human trafficking awareness. He partnered with several international human rights groups for this one.

The campaign aims to educate people and get resources to communities that need them most.