Jake Mangum – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jake Mangum, the speedy outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been making waves in Major League Baseball since his pro debut.

Born on March 8, 1996, this Mississippi native quickly carved out a reputation as a valuable asset with his defensive skills and base-running.

Jake Mangum now earns $760,000 on his one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, while his estimated net worth sits at around $20,000.

Mangum’s path to the majors really shows his grit.

Even though the MLB draft picked him 118th overall, he signed for just a $20,000 bonus—way less than players drafted around him.

That contract gap didn’t stop Mangum.

He worked his way up through the farm system until the Rays pulled him up from the Durham Bulls.

At 29, Mangum has battled injuries, including a 7-day injured list stint with Durham earlier in 2024.

He made his return to the lineup in June 2024, opening a new chapter in his career.

Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if Mangum’s value, both on the field and financially, will climb during his time with Tampa Bay.

Jake Mangum’s Early Life and Education

Jake Mangum’s early years in Mississippi set the stage for his baseball journey.

He grew up with strong local ties and experiences that shaped his character and athletic skills.

Family Background

Jake Mangum comes from a family with deep athletic roots.

His dad, John Mangum Jr., played nine seasons in the NFL as a defensive back for the Chicago Bears.

His uncle, Kris Mangum, also played in the NFL as a tight end with the Carolina Panthers.

This athletic lineage gave Jake early exposure to pro sports and probably fueled his competitive spirit.

The Mangum family always valued both sports and education.

Their support helped Jake chase his baseball dreams while keeping up with his studies.

Growing up in that environment, Jake had the chance to develop his talents from a young age.

Hometown and Childhood

Jake Mangum was born in Flowood, Mississippi and grew up in nearby Pearl.

These towns, close to Jackson, the state capital, offered a supportive backdrop for youth sports.

Mississippi’s warm weather meant Mangum could play baseball year-round, which definitely helped him hone his skills.

Growing up in Pearl, he probably played in local youth leagues before moving up to tougher competition.

Pearl’s small-town feel (with about 26,000 people) meant young athletes like Mangum often got strong support from the community.

Mississippi has a rich baseball tradition, too, with plenty of players making it to the majors.

That definitely gave kids like Mangum something to aim for.

Academic Journey

Mangum attended Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, a private school known for academics and sports.

At “Jackson Prep,” he became a standout on the baseball team while keeping up with his classes.

After high school, Mangum picked Mississippi State University.

He turned down pro offers to stay close to home and finish his education.

At Mississippi State, he became one of the top players in the school’s history.

Mangum was drafted twice during college—by the Yankees in 2017 (30th round) and the Mets in 2018 (32nd round).

Both times, he chose to go back to school, showing he valued his education and development.

That move really showed his maturity and long-term thinking.

Professional Baseball Career Highlights

Jake Mangum’s baseball journey highlights his skills as an outfielder and his growth from college star to major leaguer.

He’s shown steady improvement at every level.

College Accomplishments

At Mississippi State, Mangum made his mark as one of the SEC’s all-time greats.

He even became the all-time hits leader in the Southeastern Conference—a pretty rare feat.

During college, Mangum’s batting was impressive.

He kept his average well above .300 for four seasons.

His quick bat and knack for making contact gave pitchers headaches.

Mangum, a switch-hitter with top-tier speed, could hit from both sides of the plate.

He also played stellar defense in center field, earning several Gold Glove nominations.

In 2019, the New York Mets saw his potential and picked him in the fourth round (118th overall) of the MLB Draft.

Minor League Development

After signing with the Mets, Mangum moved up their minor league system pretty quickly.

He focused on sharpening his contact-hitting and tried to add more power to his game.

In the minors, Mangum consistently put up solid numbers at different levels.

His speed made a difference, both in the outfield and on the bases.

For a while, the Oklahoma City Dodgers had Mangum after a transaction moved him from the Mets.

That stretch let him try new coaching styles and fine-tune his defensive game.

Mangum didn’t hit many home runs, but he developed decent gap power, racking up doubles and triples.

His wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) stayed above league average, showing he could contribute offensively.

Major League Success

Mangum finally reached the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays.

He showed he could handle top competition.

With the Rays, Mangum proved himself as a versatile outfielder, able to play multiple positions.

His defensive flexibility gives the Rays options, especially late in games.

Teams have noticed his blend of speed, defense, and contact hitting, so his name pops up in trade talks.

He’s drawn comparisons to guys like Jarren Duran, who mix speed with growing power.

In 2025, Mangum is playing on a one-year, $760,000 contract with Tampa Bay.

His steady play has boosted his value to the team and maybe on the open market too.

Jake Mangum’s Contracts and Trades

Jake Mangum’s pro career has had its share of contract changes and team moves.

His deals and team switches reflect his potential and growth as he’s made his way in the majors.

Draft and First Professional Contract

The New York Mets started Mangum’s pro journey by picking him in the 4th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

That came after his standout run at Mississippi State, where he set the SEC’s all-time hits record.

When Mangum signed with the Mets, he got a standard minor league contract.

They sent him to the Brooklyn Cyclones, their Short-Season A team.

He also took part in the Mets’ extended spring training and instructional leagues.

The coaching staff worked closely with him to build up his defense and contact hitting.

His early contracts were pretty modest—just the usual minor league pay most new pros get.

Trade Market Activity

Teams started talking about Mangum as a trade piece during the 2021 season.

His speed and defensive skills made him an interesting trade chip for other clubs.

The big change came when the Mets included him in a deal with the Miami Marlins.

That move gave Mangum a fresh start in a new organization.

With the Marlins, Mangum signed a minor league contract and got spring training invites.

That gave him a shot to show his stuff to the big league staff.

Front office decisions and player development teams really shaped these moves.

Current Team Agreements

Jake Mangum now plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.

He signed a one-year deal worth $760,000 for 2024.

This is his first real MLB contract after making it to the majors.

The deal includes standard big-league benefits and some performance-based incentives.

The Rays, who have a reputation for strong player development, brought Mangum in with a strategic move.

His contract is managed by a professional sports agency that handles negotiations and career planning.

The Rays called Mangum up from their Durham Bulls affiliate in June 2024 after he finished a rehab assignment.

With an estimated net worth of about $20,000, Mangum’s finances are still in the early stages of his career.

This contract sets him up for possible future earnings if he keeps performing in the majors.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Jake Mangum’s finances reflect his rise as a pro baseball player with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Most of his income comes from his MLB contract, but there’s a bit more to it.

Career Earnings

Right now, Mangum has a one-year deal worth $760,000 with the Tampa Bay Rays.

That’s his guaranteed pay for the season.

It’s his first taste of real major league money after years in the minors.

Before making the big leagues, Mangum earned much less in the minor leagues.

Minor league salaries usually run from $4,800 to $14,000 per season, depending on level and experience.

His estimated net worth is around $20,000.

That’s pretty modest compared to established MLB players, but it’s not unusual for someone just starting out in the majors.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Mangum’s endorsement deals are still pretty limited.

As a newer MLB player, he hasn’t landed the big national sponsorships yet.

A few local Tampa Bay businesses have shown interest in working with up-and-coming Rays players.

These deals usually involve appearances or social media promos—think sporting goods stores, restaurants, and local groups.

He might have some equipment partnerships, too, with bat, glove, or apparel brands, but there aren’t many details out there.

Business Ventures

Unlike some veterans, Mangum seems focused on building his MLB career for now.

Most players at his stage put all their energy into playing before diving into business ventures.

Still, his ties to Mississippi State could open doors for future baseball camps or training programs.

Some pros start investing early with help from advisors, though Mangum’s private investments haven’t been publicized.

The MLB Players Association offers financial education, and more young players are getting smart about managing their money.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Away from baseball, Jake Mangum keeps a balanced life.

He’s active in his community, has a range of hobbies, and has dealt with some health challenges along the way.

Community Engagement

Mangum has shown a real commitment to giving back since his days at Mississippi State.

He often helps with youth baseball clinics, passing on what he’s learned to younger players.

In Tampa Bay, he jumped right into the Rays’ community outreach programs.

During the 2024 offseason, Mangum volunteered with a local homeowners association.

He helped organize a neighborhood revitalization project that improved public spaces and added a new baseball diamond at a community park.

“Giving back has always been important to me,” Mangum said at a team community day.

“Baseball gave me so much, and I want to make sure others get those same opportunities.”

Hobbies and Philanthropy

When he’s not on the field, Mangum loves fishing. He often spends his free days out on Tampa Bay, just soaking in the water and the quiet.

This hobby isn’t new for him—it goes back to his collegiate background in Mississippi. That’s really where he fell in love with outdoor activities.

In 2024, Mangum and his childhood friend Charles Thomas kicked off a charity fishing tournament. Every year, they work together to raise money for children’s hospitals in Florida and Mississippi.

He’s also got a thing for historical documentaries, especially anything about American history. One time in the clubhouse, Mangum said a documentary on smallpox eradication actually got him thinking about public health, which is pretty cool.

Health and Surgeries

Jake Mangum has faced his share of health challenges on his way to the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2022, doctors removed bone spurs from his throwing arm—a minor surgery, but it set him back for a bit in the minors.

The 2023 off-season didn’t go much smoother. He struggled with a stubborn hamstring issue and needed some really targeted therapy.

Instead of pushing himself too soon, Mangum teamed up with the Rays’ medical staff. Together, they put together a rehab plan that actually made sense for his situation.

He doesn’t just focus on bouncing back from injuries, though. Mangum sticks to a strict nutrition plan, and he’s pretty open about how important mental health is for pro athletes.

Honestly, his disciplined approach to health has helped keep him on the field as an outfielder.