José Soriano has quickly become one of baseball’s most exciting young arms for the Los Angeles Angels. Born on October 20, 1998, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Soriano made his MLB debut on June 3, 2023, after grinding his way through the minor leagues.
Right now, Soriano earns $720,000 per year on his contract with the Angels, which pushes his estimated net worth to about $1,035,020.
His career hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. The Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the Rule 5 draft back in December 2020, but he found his way back to the Angels organization soon after.
His previous contract was worth $790,000, showing how his earning power has started to climb as he cements his spot in the majors.
At just 26, Soriano stands out as part of a new wave of Dominican talent making noise in Major League Baseball. His story really shows what so many international players go through—signing as teenagers, chasing the dream, and eventually reaching the top level in North America.
José Soriano’s Early Life and Background
José JoaquÃn Soriano’s journey to the big leagues started in the Dominican Republic, where baseball is more than just a game—it’s almost a way of life.
Family and Childhood
Soriano was born on October 20, 1998 in Santo Domingo. Like a lot of Dominican kids, he grew up surrounded by baseball, with the sport woven into daily life and hope for a better future.
The Dominican Republic has produced hundreds of MLB players, so Soriano grew up in an environment where dreaming about the big leagues wasn’t far-fetched. While he keeps details about his family private, it’s pretty common for Dominican players to rely heavily on family support.
Santo Domingo, the city where he grew up, offers a tough but competitive baseball scene with plenty of academies and training programs.
First Steps in Baseball
Soriano probably started out on the informal, dusty fields of Santo Domingo, like so many Dominican players. Makeshift gear and bumpy ground forced him to develop quick hands and adaptability.
As his talent stood out, local scouts and coaches started to notice. The Los Angeles Angels eventually signed him as an international prospect, officially kicking off his pro career.
He moved up through the Angels’ minor league system and finally made his Major League debut on June 3, 2023, at 24. That debut marked the payoff for years of hard work and persistence.
Soriano’s powerful pitching arm and raw ability got him noticed and helped him rise to the Angels’ roster.
Professional Baseball Career
Soriano’s route to the majors really highlights his resilience. He’s had to fight through injuries and setbacks, but his talent on the mound keeps turning heads in the Angels organization.
Entry into MLB
Soriano started his pro journey by signing with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent. Born in 1998, he spent several seasons working his way up through the Angels’ farm system, fine-tuning his pitches.
He hit a big roadblock when he needed Tommy John surgery, which put everything on hold for a while. Still, teams around the league saw his potential.
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the Rule 5 draft in December 2020, betting on his upside even as he recovered. That move marked a turning point in his early career.
Teams Played For
Soriano has mostly stuck with the Los Angeles Angels organization. After his brief stint with the Pirates, he ended up back with the Angels.
The Angels clearly believed in him and brought him back, letting him work his way back into shape after surgery. By 2022, Soriano was back on the mound, shaking off the rust.
In 2023, the Angels selected his contract on November 13, 2022, officially adding him to the major league roster. That move locked him into the Angels’ pitching plans.
Key Career Highlights
Making his major league debut was a huge milestone for Soriano after years of rehab and development. His fastball, which can touch the high-90s, is his calling card.
He landed a one-year, $790,000 contract with the Angels—his first real big league deal. His estimated net worth, now around $1,035,020, shows how far he’s come.
He hasn’t pitched in the postseason or made an All-Star team yet, but fans and coaches are watching his progress closely. Soriano’s journey is a classic example of what international players go through to make it in MLB.
Current Contract Details
Soriano currently plays under a pre-arbitration contract with the Angels, earning $720,000 per year. His contract situation matches his early-career status, with 2.121 years of service as of January 2025.
Signing Bonus and Incentives
Soriano’s current MLB contract doesn’t include a signing bonus, which is normal for pre-arbitration players. Back when he first signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016, though, he did get a $70,000 bonus.
The Angels kept the contract simple, with minimal guaranteed incentives. They’re keeping their options open as they watch him develop, which is pretty standard for young pitchers who haven’t quite established themselves yet.
If Soriano keeps progressing and picks up a bigger role, his future deals will probably include more performance-based incentives—think innings pitched or appearances.
Average Annual Value and Payroll Impact
With an AAV of $720,000, Soriano is a bargain for the Angels. His salary is just above the league minimum and barely makes a dent in the team’s payroll.
The Angels get a lot of flexibility here, especially given Soriano’s upside as a power pitcher. His contract:
- Makes up less than 0.3% of the Angels’ total payroll
- Lets the front office spend elsewhere
- Hardly affects the luxury tax
This type of deal gives the Angels some breathing room as Soriano keeps developing. They control his rights through pre-arbitration and arbitration, so he could stay with the team until 2028 before hitting free agency.
Contract Comparisons
Soriano’s deal lines up with what other young pitchers with similar experience get. Most pitchers with 2+ years of service time earn somewhere between $700,000 and $1 million a year.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Pitcher | Team | 2025 Salary | Service Time |
---|---|---|---|
José Soriano | Angels | $720,000 | 2.121 |
Pitcher A | Team X | $750,000 | 2.089 |
Pitcher B | Team Y | $830,000 | 2.145 |
Soriano’s net worth of $1,035,020 reflects his career earnings so far. Once he hits arbitration, that number could jump fast—maybe to $2-4 million a year, depending on how he performs.
If he keeps improving, he could be in for a serious payday when he finally reaches free agency.
Net Worth and Earnings
Soriano has built up some decent wealth early in his career, mainly through his MLB contracts and maybe a bit of extra income on the side. His earnings fit his status as a developing big-league pitcher.
Salary Breakdown
Soriano’s current salary is $720,000 per year with the Angels. That’s about standard for a young guy still finding his footing in MLB.
Looking at his contract history:
- He signed a $790,000 contract with the Angels
- He made $570,500 in 2021 when the Pirates picked him in the Rule 5 draft
His total net worth sits at roughly $1,035,020, almost all from baseball. Born in 1998, Soriano still has a lot of earning potential ahead if he sticks around and lands bigger deals.
Endorsements and Other Income
Unlike established stars, Soriano doesn’t have a big endorsement portfolio yet. As a developing pitcher, his marketing opportunities are usually limited to local partnerships and team events.
Young players like Soriano typically pick up a little extra cash through:
- Team appearance fees
- Baseball camps and clinics
- Small local endorsements
- Occasional social media deals
Most of his income comes straight from his MLB salary, not off-field deals. But with his size and skill set, if he keeps improving, he could get more visibility—and more endorsement chances—in the future.
Achievements and Impact
Soriano has started to make a name for himself in the majors with his pitching and work ethic. Since debuting with the Angels on June 3, 2023, he’s shown steady growth.
Awards and Honors
Soriano’s still early in his MLB journey, so he hasn’t picked up major awards like a Gold Glove or league honors yet. But folks in the Angels organization are definitely paying attention.
He was considered one of the Angels’ top prospects before making his big league debut. Going from a $70,000 international signing bonus to a major league rotation spot is a pretty big deal—and a win for the Angels’ player development.
Statistical Highlights
Soriano’s numbers on the mound show why the Angels are excited. His fastball is electric, and his secondary pitches keep improving.
Some key stats:
- Strikeout Rate: He’s shown he can get swings and misses
- ERA: Keeps trending better as he adjusts to MLB hitters
- WHIP: (Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched) points to his improving control
- Innings Pitched: He’s building up the stamina to go deeper into games
Advanced analytics—like spin rate and pitch movement—suggest Soriano has the tools to become an above-average starter. His stuff puts him in good company among young pitchers.
Contribution to Team Success
Soriano has become a valuable piece for the Angels’ rotation. Since debuting in June 2023, he’s worked hard to lock down a spot as a reliable starter.
His progress is a bright spot for an Angels staff that’s been searching for stability. At just $790,000 a year, he gives the team a lot of bang for their buck.
The Angels first signed him as an international free agent back in 2016, and their patience is starting to pay off now that he’s contributing at the major league level.
Teammates and coaches often praise Soriano’s work ethic and willingness to adjust—qualities that matter just as much as what shows up in the box score.
Off the Field
José Soriano, away from the baseball diamond, keeps things pretty low-key. Even as his reputation grows as an MLB pitcher, he doesn’t seem eager to share much about his personal life.
His journey from the Dominican Republic to pro baseball in the U.S. says a lot about his determination. It’s also a story of adapting to a new culture.
Personal Life
Soriano was born on October 20, 1998, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He’s kept most details about his private life under wraps.
Unlike someone like Justin Verlander or Edwin Encarnacion, Soriano doesn’t really seek the spotlight. That’s pretty common for players still finding their place in the league.
He stands 6’3″ and weighs about 220 pounds, which gives him a physical edge that scouts love. His Dominican roots tie him to a strong baseball tradition—one that’s produced more than a few MLB legends.
We don’t know much about Soriano’s family background. Still, if you look at other Dominican players, it’s likely his family gave him plenty of support along the way.
He hasn’t made headlines for relationships or off-field drama, either. That’s probably just how he likes it.
Public Image and Media
Soriano doesn’t get much media attention compared to most MLB veterans. Since he’s still pretty new with the Los Angeles Angels, his public image is kind of a work in progress.
He barely posts on social media. You won’t see him pushing his brand or sharing much about his personal life. Most of what he shares sticks to baseball, which honestly feels pretty refreshing these days.
A lot of athletes seem to treat Instagram and Twitter like second jobs, but Soriano just doesn’t follow that trend. Maybe he prefers to keep things simple, or maybe he’s just focused on the game.
Baseball analysts have pointed out his resilience. He kept going after the MLB draft process and all those contract negotiations. With a reported salary of $720,000 for 2025, Soriano kind of represents what it’s like for young international players trying to carve out a long-term spot in the league.
Reporters usually talk about his pitching and how he’s developing as a player. They don’t really cover his life off the field, so he gets to zero in on his skills without the noise that comes with being a bigger name.
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