Josh Jung – Texas Rangers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Josh Jung has emerged as one of the Texas Rangers’ most exciting young players since his MLB debut. Born on February 12, 1998, the American third baseman keeps turning heads with his skills, earning league-wide recognition.

Right now, Josh Jung plays on a one-year contract worth $780,500 with the Texas Rangers. His estimated net worth is around $5.2 million.

Jung started his pro journey when the Rangers picked him eighth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft after a standout run at Texas Tech University.

He faced a big hurdle—a stress fracture in his left foot—that delayed his MLB debut. Even though he signed for $4.4 million under slot value, Jung has shown he’s worth the investment.

As a professional third baseman, Jung has improved steadily since joining the majors. Some sources report his salary at $721,485, which doesn’t quite match his contract—MLB salary structures can be confusing. Jung’s mix of defense and offensive upside makes him one of the more interesting young players to follow over the next few years.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Josh Jung’s baseball story started in San Antonio, Texas, where his talent and work ethic quickly set him apart. Those early years really paved the way for his shot at Major League Baseball.

Background and Family

February 12, 1998, in San Antonio, Texas marks the day Joshua Ryne Jung was born. He grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged his athletic side.

San Antonio’s strong sports culture gave Jung plenty of chances to hone his baseball skills while growing up.

Details about his family aren’t widely available, but it’s clear that growing up in Texas shaped his path. The state’s love for baseball probably fueled his passion for the game.

Jung’s Texas roots still matter to him. They connect him to the place where he made an impact both in college and as a pro.

Education and Texas Tech Experience

At Texas Tech University, Jung turned from a promising prospect into a top draft pick. He became one of the best college players in the country while playing for the Red Raiders.

Jung’s time at Texas Tech showcased his strong bat and reliable defense, and MLB scouts took notice. He picked up plenty of awards and became a key part of the Red Raiders program.

He didn’t ignore academics, either. Jung balanced school and baseball, showing he cared about doing things right both on and off the diamond.

Amateur Achievements

Before he went pro, Jung built an impressive list of amateur achievements. His standout college play led the Rangers to draft him 8th overall in 2019.

Some of his notable accomplishments:

• All-American honors
• Big 12 Conference recognition
• Strong batting stats showing his power and consistency
• Growth as a defensive specialist at third base

Those successes set high expectations for Jung as a pro. Scouts loved his balanced approach at the plate and his solid glove work.

Professional Career with the Texas Rangers

Since joining the Rangers, Josh Jung has become a key part of their infield. His rise from draft pick to major leaguer highlights his growth as one of baseball’s promising young stars.

Draft and Signing

The Texas Rangers picked Josh Jung 8th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech. That high pick showed the team’s belief in Jung’s bat and glove at third base.

Jung signed quickly and jumped into the minor leagues. His polished college game helped him move up the system at a good pace.

The Rangers’ front office, the same folks who brought in stars like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, saw Jung as their third baseman of the future.

Major League Debut

Jung made his long-awaited MLB debut on September 9, 2022 with Texas. He earned the call-up after showing he was ready at Triple-A, even after dealing with some injuries.

In his first game, Jung got his first big league hit and flashed the tools that made him a top prospect. That debut was a huge moment for him and for a Rangers team looking to rebuild.

By adding veteran infielders like Semien and Seager, the Rangers gave Jung a good environment to develop without putting all the pressure on him right away.

Impact on the Roster

Jung has locked down the third base job, bringing some much-needed stability to a spot that had seen a lot of turnover. His current $780,500 contract makes him a bargain for the Rangers given his production.

During Spring Training 2023, Jung impressed coaches with his improved defense and steady bat. With him at third, the Rangers field one of the best infields in baseball alongside Seager and Semien.

Injuries have slowed him down at times, but the Rangers still see Jung as their long-term answer at third. His estimated net worth of $5,221,481 reflects both his signing bonus and early career earnings as he keeps working toward being a franchise cornerstone.

Injuries and Recovery

Josh Jung’s career so far has hit some bumps, mostly thanks to a string of tough injuries. He’s had to push through surgeries and long rehab stints, which really tests any player’s resolve.

Significant Injuries

Jung’s MLB journey has included some real bad luck with injuries. In 2022, before he even reached the majors, he hurt his left shoulder during spring training, needed surgery, and had to wait until September to debut.

Then in 2023, after he’d finally become the Rangers’ starting third baseman, Jung fractured his right thumb in August. That one stung, since he was having a strong rookie season.

The bad breaks didn’t stop there. In 2025, Jung got hurt just two games into the season. People are starting to wonder—are these just flukes, or is there a bigger issue?

Surgery and Rehabilitation

Jung’s recoveries have been anything but easy, especially after his shoulder surgery in 2022. Doctors repaired a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and he spent months rehabbing.

The 2023 thumb fracture meant another surgery. Then, after his wrist injury early in 2025, Jung had to go through an intricate surgery to fix his fractured right wrist.

Rehab hasn’t been smooth. Jung even admitted he probably tried to come back too quickly after the wrist injury, which ended up keeping him out longer.

The Rangers’ medical staff has worked closely with him, setting up specialized programs to help him heal and stay fit.

Return to Play

Jung has shown plenty of grit in fighting his way back from injuries. After missing most of 2022, he finally made his MLB debut on September 9, 2022, when the Rangers selected his contract.

He returned from the thumb injury in 2023 and played in the Rangers’ postseason, proving he could bounce back and help the team.

The 2025 wrist injury has been the toughest. Jung recently talked about how disappointing the delayed return felt. The Rangers have put him on a careful rehab plan, easing him back into the lineup.

When he’s healthy, Jung looks like an All-Star at third base. It’s just tough for him and the team to deal with the constant setbacks.

Contract Details and Financial Valuation

Josh Jung’s finances as a pro ballplayer include his contract, salary path, and overall net worth. His current deal with the Rangers shows his value and hints at bigger paydays ahead if he stays healthy.

Contract Structure and Terms

Jung currently plays under a pre-arbitration contract with the Texas Rangers worth $780,500 for 2025. That’s pretty standard for players early in their MLB careers, where the team calls most of the shots on pay.

He originally got a $4.4 million draft bonus when he joined the Rangers. His current deal runs through 2029, so free agency won’t be an option unless he and the team work out an extension.

The Rangers have set up his deal as a typical pre-arb contract, which helps them keep payroll flexible while Jung cements his role.

Salary Progression

Jung’s salary has crept up since his MLB debut on September 9, 2022. Contract info shows he made about $721,485 in earlier seasons before reaching his current $780,500 salary.

That’s about 0.32% of the Rangers’ total payroll for 2025, so there’s plenty of room for growth as Jung gets closer to arbitration. MLB salaries usually move in three stages:

1. Pre-arbitration years (where he is now) – Near the league minimum salary
2. Arbitration years – Bigger jumps based on performance
3. Free agency – Market value takes over

If Jung keeps performing, his agents will probably start talking extensions before arbitration, aiming for a multi-year deal with some guaranteed money.

Bonuses and Incentives

Details about Jung’s contract bonuses aren’t public, but most MLB pre-arb deals don’t have many performance incentives compared to veteran contracts. His deal likely follows the usual template for players at his stage.

Possible bonus categories might be:

• All-Star nods
• Gold Glove or Silver Slugger awards
• MVP votes
• Games played milestones

That original $4.4 million signing bonus was a big chunk of his early MLB earnings. The Rangers clearly believed in his potential as a key third baseman.

With Jung, the Rangers seem to balance rewarding great play with keeping costs in check during his early years.

Valuation and Net Worth Overview

Josh Jung’s net worth sits around $5,221,481, mostly thanks to his baseball paychecks. That number takes into account his signing bonus, yearly salaries, and whatever endorsement deals he’s managed to snag.

Here’s a quick look at what probably makes up his financial picture:

Now that Jung is getting close to arbitration eligibility, his potential earnings could really take off. Third basemen with similar stats have landed contracts in the $10-15 million range per year lately.

Jung’s agents probably focus on keeping his cash flow healthy and making smart investments—seems pretty standard for a young athlete with a lot of career left. His financial team uses limited liability companies to handle both his baseball and off-field income streams, which is a smart move.

Future Prospects and Free Agency

Josh Jung is nearing a pivotal stage in his baseball journey as he edges closer to free agency. How he performs with the Texas Rangers will play a huge role in shaping his market value and which teams might chase him in the future.

Potential Free Agency Timeline

Jung won’t be a free agent for a while. He made his MLB debut in September 2022, so the Rangers keep control of his contract until after the 2028 season.

Right now, he’s on a pretty modest deal at $780,500 for 2024.

He’ll go through salary arbitration before he can test free agency. That usually happens after a player racks up three years of MLB service time. For Jung, arbitration likely kicks in after the 2025 season.

The Rangers might try to lock him up with a contract extension before free agency if he keeps impressing. Teams have started doing this more often with rising stars—it gives players some security and helps teams plan their budgets.

Rumored Interest from Other Teams

A handful of teams have kept an eye on Jung as a possible free agent target down the road. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers always seem to be in the mix when elite infielders hit the market.

The Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants might also get involved, since they’ve shown they’re willing to spend on proven infield talent.

Jung grew up in Texas, and that connection could make him extra appealing to the Houston Astros. They might see him as a hometown draw and a marketing win. He was born in San Antonio, Texas and played college ball at Texas Tech.

Even teams like the Detroit Tigers, who are building for the future, could plan around his eventual free agency.

Market Value Among Free Agents

Jung’s future market value really hinges on how he plays over the next few seasons. If he keeps mashing as a power-hitting third baseman and holds his own defensively, he could land a contract similar to the top third basemen in recent years.

Some projections have Jung pulling in $20-25 million a year on a long-term deal if he stays on track. His net worth sits at $5.2 million, but that could balloon quickly.

Here are a few third basemen who recently cashed in:

• Manny Machado (10 years, $300 million with Padres)
• Nolan Arenado (8 years, $260 million with Rockies before the trade)
• Anthony Rendon (7 years, $245 million with Angels)

Jung’s age will work in his favor when he finally becomes a free agent. He’ll be 30, which is younger than a lot of stars when they reach the open market.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

When he’s not on the field, Josh Jung lives a pretty balanced life. He gets involved in the community and picks brand partnerships that match his interests and values.

Community Involvement

Josh Jung throws himself into various charitable efforts across Texas. Since joining the Rangers, he’s spent a lot of time supporting youth baseball programs in underserved parts of Dallas-Fort Worth.

He makes regular visits to Texas Children’s Hospitals, hanging out with young patients who are in tough spots. During the off-season, you’ll find him running baseball clinics and teaching kids the basics of the game.

In 2024, Jung started his own foundation to promote mental health awareness among young athletes. His own experiences with pressure and the mental side of sports inspired him to take action.

MLB’s Commissioner’s office has noticed his efforts, highlighting his community work during MLB Community Service Week.

Media Presence and Partnerships

Jung keeps a modest but steadily growing social media presence. He often shares training highlights, game day routines, and little glimpses into his personal life with more than 150,000 followers.

He works with a handful of brands, including:

• Local Texas sporting goods retailers
• A national athletic apparel brand
• Nutrition supplement partnerships

You might’ve seen Jung pop up in a few regional ad campaigns, especially for Texas businesses that back local commerce. He sticks with his partners, even when others bail during contract disputes.

Every so often, Jung jumps in to provide baseball analysis for Yahoo Sports during playoff season. He brings some strong technical insights and you can tell he really knows the game.

He steers clear of controversy, preferring to talk performance and strategy instead.