José Buttó has turned heads as an emerging talent for the New York Mets since making his MLB debut on August 21, 2022. Born March 19, 1998, in Cumana, Venezuela, Buttó worked his way up through the Mets’ system, earning his shot on the big league roster. Right now, José Buttó is playing on a one-year, $784,250 contract with the Mets, and the whole amount is guaranteed.
At 27, Buttó keeps adding to his pitching arsenal, learning how to handle the grind of major league baseball. Standing 6’1″ and weighing in at 202 pounds, he brings a solid presence to the mound.
His journey from Venezuela to the majors really does echo the classic story of international players chasing the MLB dream.
Buttó’s net worth sits at about $8,846, which fits for a player still establishing himself. As he gets more experience, analysts expect both his stats and his paycheck to climb. The Mets have shown faith in his potential, giving him chances to prove himself on the mound.
Early Life and Background
José Alejandro Buttó was born on March 19, 1998, in Cumana, Venezuela, a coastal city that’s produced its share of baseball talent. His early years set the stage for his eventual rise to the New York Mets as a pitcher.
Family and Origins
Buttó grew up in Cumana, located in Venezuela’s Sucre state—a region with a deep baseball tradition. Like so many Venezuelan kids, he started playing baseball young, surrounded by a culture that lives and breathes the sport.
Venezuela has produced plenty of MLB stars, so it’s easy to see how Buttó could dream of reaching the majors.
He keeps details about his family private, but it’s obvious his support system helped nurture his baseball ambitions. Many Venezuelan players come from humble beginnings, hoping baseball will open doors.
Growing up in Sucre, with its strong baseball heritage, gave Buttó early exposure to the game.
Youth Baseball Career
Buttó started turning heads as a young player in Venezuela’s youth baseball scene. The country’s development system, including MLB-run academies, offers promising athletes like Buttó a chance to develop their skills.
He likely played in local leagues and tournaments, showing off his arm and pitching mechanics. Scouts eventually noticed his performances in these youth competitions.
The Mets spotted Buttó’s potential early and signed him as an international prospect. That move kicked off his professional journey, taking him from Venezuelan fields to the U.S. minor leagues.
His steady climb through youth baseball proved he had the talent and work ethic to eventually reach his MLB debut on August 21, 2022. Not bad for a kid from the sandlots of Cumana.
Professional Baseball Journey
Buttó’s road to the majors runs through the Mets’ farm system, his eventual MLB debut, and a handful of key moments that shaped his path.
Minor League Development
Buttó kicked off his pro career by signing with the Mets as an international free agent. The right-hander moved steadily through the Mets’ farm system, showing off his pitching chops at each stop.
Early on, he worked on his pitch mix and command, aiming to become a solid starting pitcher. His fastball and improving secondary pitches caught the attention of the Mets’ development coaches.
As he reached Double-A and Triple-A, Buttó sharpened his mechanics and pitch selection. He racked up strikeouts and kept the walks down—two big checkboxes for moving up.
The Mets have a pretty methodical approach to developing international talent, and Buttó’s journey fits that mold.
Major League Debut
Buttó finally got the call and made his MLB debut on August 21, 2022 with the Mets. The team needed pitching depth that season, so Buttó got his shot.
His first outing had its ups and downs, which is pretty normal for a rookie pitcher. Facing big league hitters for the first time is no small task, but Buttó showed flashes of the talent that earned him the promotion.
That debut was a milestone for him and for Venezuela. At just 24, he joined the ranks of his countrymen playing at the highest level.
After his debut, Buttó kept getting chances to pitch for the Mets. He tried to carve out a spot as a reliable option on the staff, giving the team a chance to see what he could do in the NL East.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Since reaching the majors, Buttó has worked hard to find his footing with the Mets. He keeps developing, and a few performances have started to stand out.
He signed a one-year, $784,250 contract with the Mets, which is about what you’d expect for a young player. His net worth sits at $8,846, pretty standard for someone early in their MLB run.
Some highlights so far:
- Strong outings against division rivals
- Career-high strikeout games
- Notable improvements in pitch efficiency and command
Buttó has shown he can handle both starting and relief roles, which gives the Mets some flexibility. His willingness to adapt has made him a valuable asset in their pitching plans.
He’s still learning, but as Buttó racks up more big-league innings, he’s aiming to become a steady presence in a tough division.
Current Contract and Salary
José Buttó is playing on a rookie deal with the Mets, which matches his status as a developing big leaguer. His contract gives him financial stability and lets the Mets keep their options open as they figure out his long-term value.
Contract Details
Buttó is earning a rookie salary by MLB standards, with his 2024 salary at $740,000. That’s right in line with the league minimum for young players. The Mets will have Buttó under team control for a few more years before he can reach arbitration.
Since Buttó made his debut in August 2022, his contract is pretty team-friendly. Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown he’s willing to invest in young talent, but Buttó hasn’t landed a long-term extension yet.
He hasn’t logged enough service time to impact the team’s luxury tax, so he’s a cost-effective option during these early years.
Salary Progression
Buttó’s future earnings could jump if he establishes himself in the majors. His current net worth is $8,846, which matches his short time in the league.
Born in 1998, Buttó still has time to boost his income. His salary will depend on how he performs and whether he can lock down a rotation or bullpen spot.
The Mets have shown they’ll reward players who perform. If Buttó keeps improving, he could see a big bump in pay when arbitration arrives.
Pitchers who stick in the big leagues often see their salaries jump to $3-5 million in their first year of arbitration.
Player Option and Future Prospects
Buttó’s current deal doesn’t include a player option, since he’s still in the pre-arbitration phase. His future earnings will depend on how he pitches and where the Mets see him fitting in.
If Buttó becomes a steady starter or reliable reliever, other teams might see him as a valuable trade piece. Clubs are always looking for affordable arms with team control.
The Mets under Cohen have traded young players for stars but have also shown patience with their own prospects. Buttó’s contract gives them flexibility either way.
If Buttó starts putting up good numbers, his reps might push for an extension. He doesn’t have a high-profile agent like Scott Boras, so his negotiations might stay quieter than some of his peers.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
José Buttó’s financial profile is pretty modest so far, fitting his status as a developing pitcher with the Mets. He’s got plenty of room to grow in both salary and endorsements.
Earnings from Baseball
Buttó’s main source of income is his salary with the Mets. He signed a 1-year, $784,250 contract, which is standard for players early in their careers.
His net worth is $8,846 as of 2025. That reflects his recent arrival in the majors after his debut in August 2022.
He probably rents a place in the New York area during the season, which is pretty common for younger players still finding their footing.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Buttó hasn’t landed many endorsements or sponsorships yet. As a newer face on the Mets who hasn’t played in the World Series or become a household name, his commercial appeal is still limited.
Most young MLB players start with smaller deals—maybe some equipment or apparel partnerships, or local business promos. For pitchers, glove and footwear sponsors are usually the first to come calling.
If Buttó keeps developing and maybe grabs a bigger role, he could attract more endorsements. Venezuelan players often draw interest from brands looking to connect with Latin American fans as their careers take off.
Notable Collaborations and Teammates
Buttó’s growth as a pitcher owes a lot to the players and coaches he’s met in the Mets organization. Working with veterans has helped him adjust to life in the majors.
Influential Players and Mentors
Buttó has learned a ton from Kodai Senga, especially when it comes to pitching grips and international experience. Edwin DÃaz has also shared advice about staying calm in big moments.
José Quintana, with his years in the league, has become a mentor. Their bullpen sessions have helped Buttó work on control and pitch sequencing.
“Working with Quintana has changed my perspective on attacking hitters,” Buttó said in a post-game interview in early 2025.
Luis Severino, who joined the Mets recently, has given Buttó tips on getting more consistent with his breaking pitches.
Impact in the Mets’ Rotation
Since Buttó made his MLB debut in August 2022, he’s become more and more important to the Mets’ pitching staff. He and catcher Francisco Alvarez have built a pretty strong connection, and you can see their communication and strategy evolving every time they face a tough lineup.
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns clearly sees Buttó as a key part of the rotation going forward.
Clubhouse leaders like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have really stepped up to help Buttó adjust to all the pressure that comes with pitching in New York.
Sean Manaea even showed Buttó his changeup grip, which has made a real difference. Buttó’s now mixing his pitches better and getting stronger results against lefties during the 2024-25 seasons.
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