Justin Sterner – Athletic Career Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Justin Sterner has really started to turn heads as a promising talent in Major League Baseball, now pitching for the Oakland Athletics. Born August 29, 1996, this right-handed relief pitcher has shown a lot of grit on his way to the big leagues after making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024.

For the 2025 season, Sterner’s playing on a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Athletics. The deal is fully guaranteed as he continues to develop at the major league level.

Sterner’s professional career took a few interesting turns over the past year. In May 2024, the Tampa Bay Rays called him up from the Durham Bulls, and that gave him his first taste of MLB action.

His service time was almost nonexistent entering 2025—just 0.007 years, if you can believe Baseball Reference. Still, his performance convinced the Athletics to give him a spot, and now he’s trying to carve out a role as a reliable bullpen arm.

At 28, Sterner’s contract reflects his pre-arbitration status in MLB’s pay scale. Sure, his current salary might look modest compared to the sport’s biggest names, but it’s a huge step for someone who spent years grinding in the minors.

Fans and analysts are keeping an eye on him to see if he can really cement his role and maybe boost his market value for future deals.

Early Life and Background

Sterner’s story starts in California, where his love for baseball grew thanks to family, school, and a handful of key influences that nudged him toward chasing the dream.

Family and Childhood

Justin James Sterner was born on August 29, 1996, in La Jolla, California. He grew up in that sunny coastal town, and baseball hooked him early.

He spent countless hours on local fields, working on the fundamentals that would eventually carry him to the major leagues.

His family played a big part in his development. His parents noticed his athletic gifts and pushed him to join youth leagues.

Weekends were packed with tournaments and practices—pretty much a normal routine for the Sterner family.

Living in Southern California, with all that great weather, gave him the perfect chance to work on his game outdoors almost year-round.

Education

Sterner didn’t ignore his education, either. He attended high school and made a name for himself as both a student and an athlete.

Balancing schoolwork with baseball wasn’t always easy, but he managed.

After high school, Justin headed to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He picked a major that fit with his athletic goals and played for BYU’s baseball team.

Those college years really changed things for him. The competition at BYU pushed him to sharpen his pitching technique and rethink how he approached the game.

His coaches at BYU saw his potential early on and helped him take his performance up a notch.

Influences and Aspirations

A few key influences shaped Sterner as a pitcher. He looked up to several professional players, borrowing parts of their styles and work habits.

Coaches from his youth leagues through college all left their mark, each adding something to his growing skillset.

Since he was a kid, Justin wanted to pitch in the major leagues. That dream drove his dedication to training and getting better.

He spent time studying successful pitchers and tried to work their techniques into his own routine.

The competition at every new level forced him to adapt and keep improving. That determination to face down obstacles and keep pushing forward really defines his approach to baseball.

Professional Career

Sterner’s baseball journey has been all about hard work and sticking with it. He’s moved from the minor leagues up to the majors, hitting a few big milestones and handling the usual ups and downs that come with pro sports.

Career Beginnings

Sterner’s professional path kicked off after his college days at Brigham Young University. Born in La Jolla, California, he honed his skills as a righty pitcher during his time in Utah.

He got his start with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, working his way through their farm system.

Sterner spent a few seasons developing his pitching arsenal and building up the stamina needed for pro ball.

Those early years were tough. Adjusting to the pro schedule, trying to stay consistent, and fixing up his mechanics—it was all part of the grind.

That developmental stretch really set him up for his shot at the majors.

Major Achievements

He hit a huge milestone when he debuted in the majors on May 31, 2024 with the Tampa Bay Rays. That was the payoff after years of working his way up.

Since then, he’s been trying to make his mark in big league bullpens as a right-handed reliever.

Sterner’s pitching style and his reliability have helped him get chances at the highest level.

Honestly, just breaking into the majors and grabbing a roster spot with the Athletics is a massive achievement. Less than 10% of minor leaguers ever get that far—no small feat.

Teams and Organizations

Sterner started his big league adventure with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he got his first real taste of top-level baseball.

His stint with the Rays organization helped him develop and see what the majors are all about.

He later joined the Oakland Athletics, where he now works as a right-handed pitcher.

With the Athletics, Sterner signed a one-year contract worth $760,000, all guaranteed.

The A’s have given him opportunities to prove himself as a solid bullpen option. As part of their pitching staff, he aims to help the team while still working on his own game.

Challenges and Injuries

Sterner, like most pro pitchers, has had to deal with his share of challenges along the way. The jump from amateur ball to the majors is no joke—there’s the pressure to perform, fierce competition for roster spots, and just trying to stay consistent.

We don’t have specifics about any injuries, but it’s pretty common for pitchers to battle arm fatigue, shoulder issues, or even risk serious injuries like UCL tears that sometimes need Tommy John surgery.

The mental side of pro baseball can be just as tough. There’s the stress of performing, constant travel, and never really knowing what comes next.

Sterner’s ability to push through all that has been key to his rise to the big leagues.

Contract Details

Sterner’s journey through pro baseball has come with a few notable contract turns as he’s moved from the minors to his first real taste of MLB paychecks.

Current Contract Overview

Right now, Sterner’s on a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Oakland Athletics. The deal is fully guaranteed, so he’s set to make $760,000 this year.

This is his first major league contract after all those seasons in the minors.

As of May 2025, he’s still pre-arbitration eligible with barely any service time (just 0.007 as of January 2025). That means the Athletics have a lot of control over his contract, since he hasn’t hit the service time needed for arbitration.

It’s pretty standard pay for a player just breaking into the majors, and there’s plenty of room for future negotiations as he racks up more service time and proves his worth.

Past Agreements and Transfers

Sterner’s path included a solid run with the Tampa Bay Rays before he landed in Oakland. In May 2024, the Rays called him up from the Durham Bulls, their Triple-A squad, marking his first shot at the big leagues.

Before that, Sterner played for the Durham Bulls, building his reputation as a pitching prospect.

The Bulls even celebrated his call-up on Instagram, highlighting that it would be his MLB debut as soon as he took the mound.

Moving to Oakland was a big step, giving him a better shot at major league innings while still being under team control early in his MLB career.

Legal Considerations and Appeals

Sterner’s contract, like everyone else’s in MLB, falls under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the players’ union and the owners. That sets the minimum salary, how grievances work, and the appeal process for any disciplinary stuff.

As a pre-arb player, Sterner doesn’t have much leverage in contract talks, but he does have some protections against contract abuse. If the league ever disciplines him, he can use the standard appeal process that all MLB players get.

Players in his shoes usually have union reps on their side for big contract decisions or if any disputes pop up, though nothing like that has come up for Sterner. Pre-arb guys like him really rely on the union to protect their interests while they build up service time.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Sterner’s finances reflect a career that’s just getting rolling in Major League Baseball. Most of his wealth comes from his contract, with maybe a bit more from other sources.

Earnings and Income Sources

His main paycheck is his MLB salary—he signed a 1-year, $760,000 deal with the Oakland Athletics for 2025. That’s all guaranteed, so it’s his average annual income right now.

As a pro ballplayer, he might also make some money from:

• Endorsements (though, let’s be honest, probably not much yet)
• Appearance fees
• Possible playoff bonuses
• Licensing revenue through the MLBPA

Before he made the majors, Sterner probably earned modest minor league salaries after playing at BYU.

Assets and Investments

Details about Sterner’s assets aren’t public, but most athletes at his stage are just starting to build a financial foundation.

With help from financial advisors, players like him usually invest in things like:

• Real estate
• Diversified portfolios
• Retirement accounts
• Maybe a few business ventures

Some athletes these days care a lot about where their money goes, sometimes putting funds into environmentally friendly companies or sustainable projects.

Advisors generally suggest keeping a good chunk of cash handy, since sports careers can be pretty unpredictable—and injuries can mess with future earnings in a hurry.

Personal Life and Community Impact

Off the field, Sterner’s been making connections in his community and supports causes that matter to him. His time at BYU really shaped his values and how he gives back.

Philanthropy and Social Initiatives

Since signing his $760,000 contract, Sterner’s shown he cares about more than just baseball. The La Jolla native has already joined in on several community events with the Oakland Athletics.

During the off-season, he heads back to Provo, Utah, to mentor young pitchers at Brigham Young University. He works with youth baseball programs, focusing on both skills and character.

“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball,” Sterner said at a team community day. “Seeing their passion helps keep mine alive.”

Advocacy for Environmental Issues

Sterner really cares about water conservation in California, especially since droughts have hit so many communities hard. He’s teamed up with local groups to encourage smart water use in baseball facilities.

He often talks about how climate change affects baseball—hotter days can mess with player performance and even force schedule changes. Sterner pushes for more sustainable stadium practices and wants to see less plastic at Athletics games.

He actually joined a team beach cleanup in the Bay Area, calling attention to the problem of ocean pollution. “As athletes with a platform, we have a responsibility to protect the environments where we play and live,” he said at the event.

His environmental work fits with MLB’s wider sustainability efforts, but he prefers focusing on real, local results over flashy gestures.