Jake Burger stands out as one of baseball’s most compelling comeback stories. He fought through career-threatening injuries and still managed to become a productive major league slugger.
The Chicago White Sox picked him 11th overall in 2017 and signed him for $3.7 million. But his road to the majors? It pretty much got wrecked by multiple Achilles injuries.
By 2023, Burger’s net worth sits around $7 million, thanks to that signing bonus and his major league paychecks.
Right now, the power-hitting infielder is on a one-year, $790,000 deal with the Texas Rangers. He previously made $720,000 with the White Sox before the move.
Looking ahead, his financial future seems bright. He’s approaching arbitration, and experts think he could pull in $3-3.5 million for 2025 if his 2024 goes well.
Burger’s story is all about perseverance. He went from an injury-prone prospect to a legit MLB contributor. His power at the plate and his defensive flexibility have really bumped up his market value.
He’s quietly become one of baseball’s more intriguing financial success stories as he heads into his prime.
Early Life and Background
Jake Burger started his path to professional baseball in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born there on April 10, 1996.
Those early years fueled his love for baseball and set him up for a shot at the majors.
Family and Childhood
Jacob Michael Burger grew up in a supportive family in St. Louis, a city that breathes baseball. His parents noticed his athleticism early and encouraged him.
The Cardinals’ presence in town probably nudged Jake’s baseball dreams along.
He played in local youth leagues as a kid and spent a ton of time working on his swing and fielding.
His natural power started showing up when he was still young. That, plus family support, really helped him stand out and navigate the youth baseball scene.
Education and Amateur Baseball Career
Burger went to Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. He starred on the baseball team, hammering the ball and playing a solid third base.
College scouts took notice. After high school, Jake picked Missouri State University.
At Missouri State, he turned into one of the top power hitters and infielders in the country.
He racked up awards and put up big numbers in college. Scouts started paying serious attention.
The Chicago White Sox picked him 11th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. That was the start of his pro career.
Professional Baseball Career
Jake Burger’s pro baseball journey? It’s been about grit, power, and bouncing back from some brutal setbacks.
He’s gone from college standout to big league slugger, with a few stops along the way.
MLB Debut and Teams
The Chicago White Sox drafted Burger 11th overall in 2017 after his standout college run. But things didn’t go smoothly—he tore his Achilles twice and missed the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Burger battled through those injuries and finally made his MLB debut with the White Sox on July 2, 2021. He notched his first big league hit that same day.
He got traded to the Miami Marlins in 2023, which gave him more regular playing time. His power started really popping with consistent at-bats.
Most recently, Burger landed with the Texas Rangers and signed a one-year deal for 2025. He’s mainly played third base but has handled first base too.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Burger’s power has been his signature in the majors. In 2023 with Miami, he hit career highs:
- 134 hits
- 29 home runs
- 23 doubles
- 76 RBIs
- .250/.301/.460/.760 slash line
Those numbers show he’s developed into a real power threat. That home run total? It jumps off the page.
Before joining the Rangers, Burger kept improving his offense each season. His batting average usually sits near .250, but his real value comes from his slugging and run production.
He’s kept working on his defense at third, but teams mostly want his bat.
Notable Games and Achievements
June 4, 2023 stands out—Burger smashed three homers in a single game against the Oakland A’s. That’s the kind of power that turns heads.
His first MLB home run came on July 3, 2021, just his second big league game. That moment had to feel huge after all the injury setbacks.
Burger’s got a knack for clutch hits. He’s delivered walk-off moments, like a dramatic homer against the Guardians in 2022.
But honestly, just making it back from two Achilles injuries might be his biggest achievement. Not many players could pull that off, but Burger’s stubborn determination helped him become a legit MLB power bat.
Yankees and Other Trade Rumors
Teams keep circling Burger for his power. The New York Yankees reportedly wanted him in 2023 to add right-handed pop.
No Yankees deal happened, but Burger’s name pops up in trade talks a lot. His $790,000 contract with the Rangers makes him affordable for teams hunting for power without breaking the bank.
Trade rumors often tie him to pitchers like Garrett Crochet, as teams look to swap arms for bats.
The Rangers picked up Burger to add more power to their lineup. With his ability to play several infield spots and hit for power, he keeps showing up in trade chatter as deadlines approach.
Jake Burger’s Contract Details
Burger’s contract situation has changed a lot since he entered MLB. His current pay reflects his growth and his potential future value in free agency.
Current Contract Overview
Right now, Burger’s contract is modest compared to many MLB vets. In 2023, he signed a 1-year, $720,000 deal with the White Sox.
That’s his base salary, with no reported bonuses.
This setup reflects his pre-arbitration status. Players in this phase usually earn close to the league minimum as they try to prove themselves.
The contract gives the team cost control while Burger gets a shot to show what he can do. It’s a pretty standard deal for someone early in their MLB career.
Salary Progression and Bonuses
Burger’s salary has climbed since his first deal. When the White Sox drafted him, he got a $3.7 million signing bonus.
His current $720,000 salary fits the usual path for a developing MLB player. That number factors into his estimated net worth of about $4.9 million, though some say it’s closer to $7 million.
He doesn’t seem to have performance bonuses in his contract right now. His pay stays the same no matter how many homers he hits, which is pretty normal for pre-arb guys.
Free Agency and Market Value
Burger’s contract situation is getting interesting. He could earn between $3 million and $3.5 million in his first year of arbitration, which would be a big jump.
His future value will depend a lot on how he hits in 2024. Power-hitting infielders like Burger can land sizable contracts if they keep producing.
The MLB Super Two deadline could also help him reach arbitration earlier, which would speed up his path to bigger paydays.
Teams eyeing Burger have to weigh his offensive upside against his contract status when thinking about trades.
Net Worth and Financial Ventures
Jake Burger has built up serious financial value through his MLB career and a few outside ventures. His money comes from salary, endorsements, and some business moves that show financial growth.
Estimated Net Worth
Right now, Burger’s net worth is pegged at $7 million, according to recent reports. Most of that comes from his baseball contracts and bonuses.
His Texas Rangers salary is $790,000 for this season, which adds to his financial profile. Some sources, like SalarySport, list his net worth at about $4.9 million.
He’s set up for a solid financial future as he heads into arbitration. Experts predict he could earn between $3 million and $3.5 million next season if he gets there.
Business and Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Burger is mostly focused on baseball, but he’s started dipping a toe into business. He doesn’t have a flashy side hustle, but he’s thinking about long-term financial security.
He seems to prefer a quieter approach to business. Observers have noticed he’s interested in:
- Sports-related investments: Small stakes in training facilities
- Community initiatives: Youth baseball programs
- Brand partnerships: A few endorsements that fit his image
If his MLB career keeps rolling, analysts expect him to branch out more. For now, he’s taking a careful, steady approach to wealth management.
Personal Life and Off-Field Interests
Off the field, Jake Burger keeps things pretty grounded. He values community connections and personal pursuits that reflect where he comes from.
Community Involvement
Burger makes it a point to give back to the communities where he plays. The former White Sox first-rounder has helped out at team charity events and youth clinics.
He often focuses on helping youth sports, especially in areas that need it most. After fighting through his own injuries, he talks to young athletes about sticking with it and mental toughness.
Back in St. Louis, Burger stays connected to local baseball programs. He sometimes visits his old high school, Christian Brothers College, to mentor athletes and support fundraisers.
Hobbies and Interests
When he’s not at the ballpark, Burger likes to keep things low-key. He’s into video games and plays with teammates on the road.
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he’s still a fan of other St. Louis teams, especially the Blues and, back in the day, the Rams before they left.
Burger enjoys cooking and checking out local restaurants in MLB cities. Fans and teammates have had plenty of fun with his last name and his foodie side.
Family matters to him, too. He tries to stay close to home, even with a baseball schedule that keeps him traveling most of the year.
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