Joey Bart – Pittsburgh Pirates Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Joey Bart, the Pittsburgh Pirates catcher, has taken a winding path through pro baseball since the 2018 draft. At 28, the Georgia native flashes the potential that made him a top pick, but consistency? That’s still the big hurdle.

Right now, Bart’s on a one-year, $1,175,000 contract with the Pirates. He’s built up a net worth estimated at $7,772,899 from his baseball earnings.

Bart started out with the San Francisco Giants before the team traded him to Pittsburgh in April 2024. The Giants designated him for assignment, so Pittsburgh offered a fresh start.

He’s made his mark with solid defense behind the plate and some power with the bat. Still, he’s working hard to establish himself as an everyday big-league catcher.

Born December 15, 1996, Joseph Andrew Bart has fought through injuries and some tough stretches. Even with those setbacks, his defensive skills and offensive upside keep him interesting to watch as he tries to lock down a spot in Pittsburgh.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Joey Bart’s path to pro baseball started long before his MLB debut. Those early years shaped his love for the game and built the foundation that made him a valuable catcher.

Family Background and Hometown

Joey Bart was born as Joseph Andrew Bart on December 15, 1996, in Buford, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Even though he grew up in Georgia, Joey picked up a passion for Pittsburgh sports thanks to his dad.

His father, Tommy Bart, grew up northeast of Pittsburgh and passed down his love for the city’s teams. That family tie to Pittsburgh turned out to be a fun twist when Joey later joined the Pirates.

Growing up in the Atlanta suburbs, Joey got into baseball early and showed plenty of natural athleticism. His family always backed him, giving him the support he needed as his baseball dreams took shape.

High School Baseball Journey

At Buford High School in Georgia, Bart stood out as a baseball prospect. With his 6’3″ frame and raw talent behind the plate, he caught the eye of scouts and coaches.

Bart developed his catching skills during his high school years, learning the fundamentals that would shape his pro career. He showed off both his bat and his glove, handling pitchers and controlling the game from behind the plate.

By his senior year, college recruiters and pro scouts were paying attention. That set the stage for his next big step.

College Experience and Development

Bart chose Georgia Tech for college, continuing his baseball journey and education. That move really helped him grow as a catcher.

At Georgia Tech, Bart worked with coaches to sharpen his defense and improve at the plate. He built up his baseball IQ and physical tools, earning a reputation for power hitting and a strong arm.

His time at Georgia Tech boosted his draft stock. Those years turned Bart from a talented prospect into a polished catcher, ready for pro ball.

Professional Baseball Career

Joey Bart’s pro career has come with high expectations since the San Francisco Giants drafted him. His rise from top prospect to the majors has shown both his promise and the challenges of becoming a big-league catcher.

MLB Draft and Entry to Pro Baseball

The San Francisco Giants picked Bart second overall in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Georgia Tech. That made him one of the most hyped catching prospects in years.

After signing, Bart landed a $7.025 million bonus—the biggest ever for a position player at that point. He kicked off his pro career with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in the Northwest League, hitting .294 with 13 home runs in just 45 games.

In 2019, Bart kept moving up the minor league ladder, reaching Single-A and Double-A. A hand injury slowed him down, but he bounced back in the Arizona Fall League and kept his status as the Giants’ catcher of the future.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

Bart debuted in the majors with the Giants on August 20, 2020, during the pandemic-shortened season. He got called up sooner than expected after Buster Posey opted out.

His first MLB stint was tough; he hit .233 with a .609 OPS over 33 games. In 2021, Bart split time between the majors and Triple-A Sacramento in the Pacific Coast League.

Once Posey retired, Bart became the Giants’ main catcher for 2022. He showed some power, but consistency still didn’t come easy. By 2023, the Giants started looking at other options behind the plate.

In 2024, the Giants traded Bart to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He signed a one-year, $1,175,000 contract for the 2025 season.

Notable Achievements and Challenges

Joey Bart’s baseball story includes some big accomplishments and plenty of challenges. His climb from top prospect to trying to stick in the majors has tested his talent and resilience.

Key Performances and Statistics

Bart’s offense has shown glimpses of what made him the second overall pick in 2018. With the Giants, he struggled to find steady success at the plate, with his on-base percentage usually lagging behind league average.

Back in college, Bart won the Johnny Bench Award in 2018 as the top Division I catcher. That award put a spotlight on his defensive chops and offensive promise.

After joining the Pirates, Bart signed a $1,175,000 contract, hoping a new team would spark his career. With more big-league experience, his plate appearances have started to look a bit better.

Injuries and Recoveries

Staying healthy has been a real challenge for Bart. Hand and wrist injuries have interrupted his development at some pretty crucial times.

While moving through the minors, Bart took a hit-by-pitch that fractured his hand and kept him out for weeks. That setback delayed his progress in the Giants’ system.

After reaching the majors, more injuries popped up and kept him off the field. This stop-and-go rhythm made it tough to get in a groove, both at the plate and behind it.

Bart’s recoveries have usually been slow and careful, with his teams making sure he was fully healed before sending him back out there.

Competition and Comparisons

Bart faced a lot of pressure as the guy expected to follow Buster Posey in San Francisco. That’s a tough act for anyone.

In time, Bart ended up battling Patrick Bailey for the catching job. The Giants eventually went with Bailey, which led to Bart’s exit.

Compared to peers like J.T. Realmuto, Willson Contreras, and William Contreras, Bart’s development has been slower. Guys like Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Stephenson have also moved ahead.

Bart hasn’t reached Gold Glove territory like some catchers, but his arm strength and defensive upside still give him a shot at a solid MLB role.

Contract Details and Transactions

Joey Bart’s pro career has included some key contracts and team changes since he was drafted. Moving from the Giants to the Pirates meant new deals and roster moves along the way.

Rookie Contract and Signing Bonus

Bart came into pro baseball with a hefty signing bonus after the Giants picked him second overall in 2018. As a top pick out of Georgia Tech, he landed a bonus that matched his prospect status.

The Giants showed their faith in Bart with several contract renewals. He signed a 1-year deal for $707,500 in 2022, and his salary climbed as he got more MLB time.

For 2024, Bart agreed to a 1-year, $770,000 contract with the Giants before the trade.

Roster Moves and Trades

During his time with the Giants, Bart moved on and off the 40-man roster as the team juggled his development between the majors and minors. He made his MLB debut in 2020 with San Francisco.

The biggest move came in 2024, when the Giants traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates. That trade gave Bart a fresh start after facing competition in San Francisco.

With the Pirates, Bart landed a 1-year, $1,175,000 contract for 2025. That deal was a step up from his earlier contracts and showed the Pirates see real value in him as a catcher or even a DH.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Joey Bart has built up his finances through his baseball career, and his net worth reflects the journey from top draft pick to established MLB player.

Annual Salary Progression

Bart’s earnings have grown since he went second overall in the draft. His first signing bonus gave him a solid start.

In 2024, Bart made $770,000 with the Giants before the trade. Once he joined the Pirates, he signed a one-year, $1,175,000 contract, which was a nice raise. That contract is fully guaranteed, giving him financial stability as he keeps playing in Pittsburgh.

Right now, Bart’s estimated net worth sits around $7.7 million, though that number can change based on investments, taxes, and other stuff.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

You won’t find a ton of public info about Bart’s endorsement deals. Still, as a pro MLB catcher, he probably gets plenty of chances for equipment partnerships with baseball gear brands.

Catchers like him usually work with companies that make masks, chest protectors, and mitts.

As Bart’s performance picks up—especially with his defensive metrics showing two framing runs and one caught stealing above average—his marketability could get a real boost.

If he finds his groove with the Pirates, regional endorsements in Pittsburgh might start popping up. You could see him working with local businesses, restaurants, or even community groups that like having a pro athlete on board.

Personal Life and Off-Field Presence

Off the field, Joey Bart keeps things pretty private, but he still makes an impact in his community. Every now and then, he steps into the media spotlight to chat about his career or personal interests.

Charitable Initiatives and Community Work

Joey Bart uses his platform as a pro athlete to give back to the people who’ve supported him. While he played for the San Francisco Giants, he joined in on the team’s yearly holiday giving campaigns and helped hand out resources to families who needed a little extra help.

He’s shown a real interest in youth baseball, often showing up at clinics for underprivileged kids in the Bay Area. Bart keeps his foundation work pretty low-key, but he focuses on getting equipment and opportunities to young athletes who might not have the resources for proper training.

After his move to the Pittsburgh Pirates with that $1,175,000 contract, Bart started building new connections in Pittsburgh. He’s already joined in on some team-sponsored events around the city.

Media Appearances and Interviews

Even though Bart prefers to keep his life private, he’s stepped into the media spotlight more than a few times over the years.

Right after the 2018 draft, where he went second overall, he sat down with major sports networks. He talked about his journey from Georgia Tech to pro baseball—seemed a bit surreal for him, honestly.

Every now and then, Bart lets some of his personal interests slip during interviews. One time, he surprised everyone by admitting he’s into jazz music.

That little detail came out in a post-game chat, where he mentioned that he likes to unwind after games by putting on classic jazz albums. It’s a cool touch, right?

Bart’s interview style matches how he plays: direct and focused. When reporters asked him about switching teams, he stayed calm and professional.

Even after the Giants designated him for assignment in early 2024, Bart handled it with maturity. He just took the career challenges in stride—pretty admirable, if you ask me.