Jesse Scholtens – Chicago White Sox Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jesse Scholtens took quite a winding path to the big leagues, finally making his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox at 29 in April 2023. The right-handed pitcher from Fairfield, California, first got drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 9th round of the 2016 draft out of Wright State University.

Jesse Scholtens now earns a salary of $768,600 with the Chicago White Sox, and his net worth is estimated at $481,004.

Scholtens’ journey to the majors really shows some grit. After the Padres picked him 264th overall in 2016, he spent years grinding in the minors before the White Sox finally gave him a shot.

He debuted in MLB just after turning 29, making him one of the older rookies around. Still, his love for baseball pushed him forward, and he never really put much energy into any backup career plans.

Early Life and Background

Jesse Scholtens’ early years set the stage for his baseball career. Family, school, and the places he grew up all played a part.

Family and Upbringing

Jesse Scholtens was born April 6, 1994, in Fairfield, California. Not much info is out there about his family, but their support mattered a lot as he developed as an athlete.

His parents noticed his athletic side early and encouraged him to try different sports. The Scholtens family gave him a stable home, which let Jesse focus on baseball.

As a kid, he showed a knack for sports, especially pitching. Those early years taught him discipline and work ethic—traits he’d need later.

He learned how to compete and grow as a player thanks to his family’s influence.

Education and Influences

School played a big part in Scholtens’ baseball journey. He went to high school and started to stand out as a baseball player.

His performance in the classroom and on the field eventually led him to Wright State University, where he really sharpened his pitching.

Coaches and teammates at Wright State helped him develop professionally. College gave him a chance to grow both technically and mentally as a pitcher.

He didn’t just learn in class—specialized baseball training also helped him build the skills and strategy he’d need later. All these experiences shaped his approach to the game.

Growing Up in Iowa

Even though he was born in California, Jesse spent some of his youth in Iowa. That state has a strong baseball tradition and a real sense of community around sports.

Des Moines, with its minor league team and baseball fields, gave him exposure to some pretty good competition. The Midwest’s baseball culture, focused on fundamentals and hard work, fit right in with how Jesse approached the game.

Iowa’s changing seasons forced him to adapt his training throughout the year. That flexibility became useful when he faced the demands of pro baseball.

Moving between California and Iowa gave him a broader perspective and made him more resilient. Adjusting to new places became second nature—something that definitely helps when you join a team like the Chicago White Sox.

Professional Baseball Career

Jesse Scholtens worked his way up through professional baseball since 2016, eventually landing in the majors with the Chicago White Sox. His path took him through several minor league stops before his MLB debut.

Minor League Development

Scholtens kicked off his pro career when the San Diego Padres picked him in the 9th round (264th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Wright State. He spent those early years moving through the Padres’ farm system.

At every level, he kept improving, adding pitches and refining his command. By 2022, he reached Triple-A with the El Paso Chihuahuas, and scouts started to take notice.

During spring training in 2023, Scholtens showed he could provide depth for MLB rotations. His minor league stats painted the picture of a guy who could eat innings and keep his walks in check.

After developing with the Padres, Scholtens chose free agency in November 2022. That decision changed his trajectory.

Major League Debut and Teams

Scholtens signed with the Chicago White Sox organization as a free agent after leaving the Padres. That move opened the door for his MLB debut.

He finally reached the majors with the White Sox, hitting a lifelong goal after years in the minors. The Fairfield native, born in 1994, had made it.

With the White Sox, Scholtens has pitched both as a starter and reliever, giving important depth to a pitching staff that’s had its share of injuries.

He’s still with the White Sox as of 2025, working to carve out a bigger role.

Career Highlights and Key Events

Scholtens’ climb to the majors stands out, especially since he wasn’t a top draft pick. His persistence in the minors paid off when he picked up his first major league win.

He’s had flashes of success at the MLB level. Scholtens can get ground balls and limit hard contact, which works well against big-league hitters.

He signed a one-year contract worth $768,600 with the White Sox, though some places say his salary is $720,000. Either way, it’s a pretty standard deal for a player early in his MLB career.

He’s shown he can handle both starting and relieving, which adds to his value.

Injuries and Notable Challenges

Like a lot of pitchers, Scholtens has dealt with injuries. These setbacks have affected his availability at times.

Facing major league hitters has been a big adjustment. The jump in competition forced him to rethink his approach and mix up his pitches.

Scholtens has also had to fight for a roster spot. As a depth guy, he’s always proving he belongs with the White Sox.

Pitching in high-pressure situations at the MLB level brings its own mental challenges. The mental side of the game is just as tough as the physical one.

Even with these hurdles, Scholtens keeps adapting and working to improve.

Contract History and Earnings

Jesse Scholtens’ pro career has included several contract steps, tracking his move from the minors to MLB. His earnings have grown as he’s made his mark with the White Sox after starting with the Padres.

Initial Contracts and Progression

After the Padres drafted him in 2016, Scholtens signed a standard minor league contract. These deals usually come with modest signing bonuses and low base salaries.

He climbed through the Padres’ system, pitching for different affiliates, including El Paso, where he made 21 appearances in 2021. Each minor league contract brought small raises as he moved up.

His time in Triple-A set him up for the next step. Even after a 3-10 record with a 5.05 ERA in El Paso, his potential kept him in the mix.

Recent Deals and Free Agency

Scholtens’ big break came when he signed with the White Sox. That’s when he finally got to the majors.

His latest contract is a one-year deal worth $768,600 with the White Sox. It’s his first MLB contract—a big milestone.

The contract is fully guaranteed, which gives him some financial security as he deals with injuries. Right now, he’s on the White Sox’s 60-day injured list, so he’s not playing, but he still gets paid.

Some sources say his salary is $720,000 per year, and his net worth is around $481,004.

Contract Structure and Terms

Scholtens’ contract follows the usual MLB setup for players just starting out. With little service time, he’s probably earning near the league minimum salary.

Here’s what his contract looks like:

• Term: 1-year deal
• Total value: $768,600
• Guaranteed money: $768,600
• Average annual value: $768,600
• Signing bonus: $0

That’s pretty standard for someone in his position. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Scholtens has the size teams want. If he can stay healthy and perform, he could land bigger contracts down the road.

His future earnings will depend on how well he bounces back from injury and how he performs in the majors.

Net Worth and Financial Assessment

Jesse Scholtens has built up a modest, growing financial base since joining MLB. Most of his money comes from his baseball contract, but he might have some extra from endorsements or investments.

Salary Breakdown and Bonuses

Right now, Scholtens pulls in a base salary of $768,600 with the White Sox. That’s up a bit from his earlier reported salary of $720,000. As a newer MLB player, he hasn’t hit the big-money contracts yet.

His contract is fully guaranteed, which gives him some peace of mind as he works on his game. Scholtens’ pay puts him near the bottom of MLB salaries, but that’s normal for guys just starting out.

Performance bonuses aren’t public, but he might get extra cash for innings pitched, appearances, or other stats. The White Sox usually include incentives to reward players who step up.

Endorsements and Advertising

Scholtens doesn’t have the big national endorsements that MLB stars get, but he’s got a handful of local deals. His partnerships focus on Chicago-area brands and baseball gear companies.

He’s worked with:

• Local Chicago sporting goods stores
• Baseball equipment brands (like gloves and cleats)
• Regional beverage companies

These endorsements probably bring in a little extra, maybe low five figures each year. He keeps a pretty low profile compared to the league’s top names.

His social media is picking up more engagement lately, so he might land more sponsorships as his profile grows. His management team keeps an eye on these numbers to find the right advertising partners that fit his brand.

Investment Strategy and Analytics

Scholtens tends to play it safe with his investments, aiming for long-term security instead of chasing risky returns. His estimated net worth of $481,004 comes from his MLB earnings and the way he manages his money.

His financial team uses data analysis tools to keep things on track.

1. They track market performance across different investment sectors.
2. They monitor spending patterns to help him stick to a budget.
3. They project future earnings based on contract details and how he’s performing.

Professional athletes don’t usually have long careers, so planning ahead really matters. Scholtens works with advisors who know the ins and outs of MLB life.

Investment analytics give his team the info they need to make smart choices. They try to balance his current lifestyle with his future, so he doesn’t run into trouble after baseball.

Personal Life and Off-Field Impact

Off the field, Jesse Scholtens keeps things pretty private, but he still finds ways to give back to the communities where he’s played. His interests and charity work show there’s more to him than just baseball.

Community Involvement and Charity

Scholtens has shown that he cares about giving back. While he played for the Chicago White Sox organization, he joined team events and spent time with local youth baseball programs, hoping to inspire younger players.

Back in his hometown of Fairfield, California, he’s supported local baseball development programs. Even though he doesn’t seek publicity, his work with youth sports shows he wants to help the game grow where it all started for him.

He might not be as visible as some MLB stars when it comes to charity, but he has visited children’s hospitals and attended fundraising events during the off-season. These efforts might not make headlines, but they show he gets the positive role athletes can play.

Personal Data and Online Presence

Born on April 6, 1994 in Fairfield, California, Scholtens doesn’t post much on social media. Compared to other MLB players, he keeps a pretty low profile online.

He went to Wright State University before the San Diego Padres picked him in the 9th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Coming from a smaller college program, he really had to work his way up—nothing flashy, just persistence.

When he appears in MLB games or gets traded, his search numbers bump up a bit, especially after he joined the White Sox. But unlike some athletes who focus on building their online brand, Scholtens seems happy to let his performance do the talking.

Health, Defense, and Security Measures

Scholtens, like most pro athletes, sticks to a disciplined training and nutrition plan. He knows he needs to stay in top shape for the grind of a long baseball season.

Pitchers especially pay close attention to arm health. They work hard on recovery routines so they can keep playing year after year.

Right now, Scholtens has a $768,600 contract with the Chicago White Sox. That kind of financial security lets him focus on his game without a ton of outside stress.

Honestly, it’s no small feat for a guy drafted in the 9th round who had to battle through the minors.

When COVID-19 hit, Scholtens and every other MLB player had to roll with the league’s new health and safety rules. He dealt with regular testing, possible quarantines, and training routines that kept changing during the weird 2020 season and the bumpy months that followed.