Kyle Freeland – Colorado Rockies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Kyle Freeland stands out as one of the Colorado Rockies’ most reliable starting pitchers. The Denver native has built his career with his hometown team, bringing his left-handed precision to Coors Field since his MLB debut.

In April 2022, Freeland locked in his future with the Rockies by signing a five-year, $64.5 million contract extension that includes a sixth-year player option. The Rockies clearly wanted to keep their homegrown ace, and honestly, who could blame them after everything he’s done at baseball’s most hitter-friendly park?

With his career earnings climbing, Freeland’s net worth sits around $74.4 million as of 2025, and his current annual salary is $10.5 million. His journey from local high school standout to franchise cornerstone really shows off both his pitching talent and his dedication to the game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kyle Freeland’s path to Major League Baseball started in Denver, Colorado. His early passion for baseball and athletic ability set the stage for everything that followed.

His growth from a local youth player to a collegiate standout really demonstrates just how much he cared about the sport.

Childhood and Background

Kyle Richard Freeland was born on May 14, 1993, in Denver, Colorado.

Growing up in the Mile High City, Freeland formed a strong bond with his hometown and the Colorado Rockies. His parents saw his athletic gifts early on and encouraged him to try different sports.

As a kid, Freeland displayed a knack for baseball, often playing in local youth leagues. The lefty really stood out for his pitching accuracy and competitive edge.

Denver’s high altitude shaped his early playing style. He learned to adapt to the conditions, which later helped him at Coors Field.

High School Years and Athletic Development

At Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Freeland became a standout multi-sport athlete. Baseball was his main thing, but he also did well in discus for the track and field team.

During his high school baseball career, Freeland’s pitching skills kept getting better. His fastball picked up speed, and he developed a slider that would eventually become his go-to pitch in the National League.

By senior year, college recruiters and pro scouts definitely noticed him. He put up a sub-2.00 ERA and had several games with double-digit strikeouts.

His achievements earned him all-state honors and made him one of Colorado’s top high school pitching prospects.

College Baseball Achievements

After high school, Freeland went to Evansville University. He kept working on his pitching repertoire and mechanics, facing tougher competition and really maturing as a player.

In his junior year at Evansville, Freeland had a breakout season that caught the eyes of Major League scouts. His command on the mound improved a lot, and he started pitching deep into games on a regular basis.

Freeland’s college highlights included:

• Multiple conference pitcher of the week awards
• Great strikeout-to-walk ratio
• Sharpened pitch control
• Strong performances in high-pressure games

These accomplishments made him a top MLB draft prospect and set him up for his selection by the Colorado Rockies.

Professional Career Overview

Kyle Freeland’s story in pro baseball shows his growth from a promising draft pick to a key part of the Colorado Rockies’ pitching rotation. He’s had big moments, battled through injuries, and stayed committed to improving his game.

MLB Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

The Colorado Rockies picked Kyle Freeland eighth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft. As a Denver native, this felt like a homecoming for him.

After signing with the Rockies, Freeland started his pro career in the minors. He moved up quickly through the Rockies’ farm system, showing off his control and knack for getting ground balls.

By 2016, Freeland had reached Triple-A Albuquerque, putting himself on the doorstep of the big leagues. He spent time refining his pitch mix and building up the stamina needed for starting in the majors.

Rookie Seasons and Continued Development

Freeland made his MLB debut on April 7, 2017, and the Rockies put him on the mound for Opening Day at Coors Field. He got the win against the Los Angeles Dodgers—definitely a memorable way to kick things off.

His rookie season showed real promise, with a 4.10 ERA in 156 innings. Freeland handled the challenges of Coors Field better than most, which isn’t easy for any pitcher.

The 2018 season was his breakout. He finished with a 2.85 ERA over 202.1 innings and landed fourth in NL Cy Young voting. That 8.4 WAR season stands out as one of the best by a Rockies pitcher, especially considering the tough pitching environment in Denver.

During these early years, Freeland really honed his slider and worked on getting ground ball outs—essential for success in Colorado.

Key Performances and Career Highlights

Freeland’s 2018 NL Wild Card game performance against the Chicago Cubs is hard to forget. He threw 6.2 scoreless innings at Wrigley Field in a do-or-die game, helping the Rockies move on.

In April 2019, Freeland agreed to a five-year, $64.5 million contract extension with the Rockies. That deal pays him an average annual salary of $12.9 million.

Throughout his career, Freeland has shown a knack for strikeouts, especially with his slider. His best years saw him strike out over 20% of batters while keeping his walk rate in check.

He’s often been the Rockies’ Opening Day starter, a clear sign of how much the team trusts him.

Injuries and Comebacks

Freeland hasn’t had a smooth ride the whole way. In 2019, he dealt with a nasty blister that messed with his grip and performance.

That season, the Rockies sent him down to Triple-A to work on his mechanics after a tough stretch.

In 2021, he strained his shoulder during spring training, which delayed his season debut. He had to rehab carefully to avoid long-term issues with his arm.

More recently, Freeland has pushed through various arm problems that sometimes limited him or put him on the injured list. Still, he’s shown resilience, bouncing back after setbacks.

He’s managed to stay in the Rockies’ rotation and remains a steady starter when healthy. Adjusting his pitching style after injuries has helped him stick around.

Kyle Freeland’s Contract Details

Kyle Freeland’s financial journey with the Rockies has changed a lot since his MLB debut. He now has a big contract extension that keeps him with the team through at least 2026.

Initial Contracts and Arbitration Years

Freeland started his pro career after the Rockies picked him eighth overall in 2014. His first minor league deal came with a signing bonus that’s pretty standard for top picks.

When he debuted in the majors in 2017, Freeland earned near-league minimum during his pre-arbitration years (2017-2019). That’s typical for players with less than three years of MLB service.

After his breakout 2018 season, where he finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting, Freeland’s value to the Rockies shot up. He entered his arbitration years in a strong position, and that usually means a nice salary bump.

Major Contract Extensions

In April 2022, Freeland locked in his future by signing a five-year, $64.5 million contract extension with Colorado. The Rockies clearly wanted to keep their Denver native as a key part of their rotation.

The deal pays Freeland $10.5 million a year, though the exact amount shifts from season to season. There’s also a sixth-year player option, giving Freeland some say over his next steps.

This extension covered all his remaining arbitration years and some potential free agency years. It gave Freeland guaranteed money, which is huge for pitchers given how unpredictable injuries can be.

Free Agency and Market Value

Freeland won’t hit free agency until at least after 2026, depending on his player option. His contract shows how the Rockies value him compared to other starting pitchers.

Left-handed starters with Freeland’s durability and experience usually get big contracts if they hit the open market. By locking him up early, the Rockies probably saved themselves some money.

Freeland’s 2025 salary of $16 million puts him in the mid-tier for established starters. That matches his value and fits the Rockies’ budget as a mid-market team.

Recent struggles could affect his free agency value down the line, as he’s working to recapture his earlier career form.

Collective Bargaining Impacts

The MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has shaped Freeland’s earnings from the start. The CBA determines things like arbitration eligibility, service time, and minimum salaries.

When Freeland and the Rockies negotiated his extension in 2022, both sides factored in the stability the deal offered, especially after the 2021-2022 MLB lockout.

The CBA also affects team payrolls through competitive balance tax rules. For Colorado, Freeland’s contract takes up a big chunk of their payroll, which matters when they’re looking to add other players.

Pension benefits, health insurance, and possible revenue sharing changes in future CBAs will keep influencing the value of Freeland’s contract beyond just the salary numbers.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Kyle Freeland has built up real wealth during his time with the Rockies. His financial profile includes big contract earnings, some endorsement deals, and investments that have pushed his net worth into the multimillion range.

Career Earnings and Salary Progression

Freeland’s MLB earnings have grown a lot since his 2017 debut. The big jump came when he signed that five-year, $64.5 million extension in April 2022.

Before that, he made $5.25 million in 2021 after avoiding arbitration with a one-year deal. Now, his annual salary is $10.5 million for the 2025 season, thanks to his long-term contract.

Freeland has piled up about $74.4 million in net worth from his baseball earnings, making him one of the more successful pitchers financially from his draft class.

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Freeland has boosted his baseball salary with a few regional endorsement deals in Colorado. As a Denver native and star for the Rockies, he’s used his local popularity to land partnerships with area brands and businesses.

He’s worked with sporting goods companies and some Colorado businesses, adding another income stream—even if it’s not quite as big as his MLB paycheck.

Freeland has also run baseball camps and clinics, which brings in extra revenue and lets him give back to the community. Being a hometown guy makes him especially marketable in Denver.

Assets and Lifestyle

Freeland owns real estate in the Denver area. After signing his major contract extension, he bought his primary residence.

He’s put a lot of his money into property investments. That makes up a big chunk of his assets.

Unlike a lot of pro athletes with similar earnings, the pitcher keeps his lifestyle pretty modest. He’s talked in interviews about financial responsibility and long-term planning, and honestly, it sounds like he’s really thought this stuff through.

Freeland spends some of his earnings on causes he cares about, especially youth baseball programs in Colorado. He’s helped fund efforts that make baseball more accessible for kids in his hometown who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

He’s also put money into a variety of financial instruments for stability after his playing days. Freeland works with financial advisors to help manage his substantial earnings.

Role with the Colorado Rockies

Kyle Freeland has anchored the Colorado Rockies’ pitching staff since his debut. He’s a homegrown talent who understands how tough it is to pitch at altitude in Coors Field.

Pitching in the Rockies’ Rotation

Freeland has been a cornerstone in the Rockies’ starting rotation since 2017. His 2018 season stands out—he posted a 2.85 ERA over 202.1 innings and finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting.

That’s pretty wild for a Coors Field pitcher.

He’s figured out how to handle the tough conditions at Coors. Freeland leans on:

• Getting ground balls
• Spot-on command
• Mixing up his pitches, especially sliders and changeups

Manager Bud Black keeps giving Freeland Opening Day starts. That shows just how much the team values him.

Freeland’s had his ups and downs, but his five-year, $64.5 million contract extension in 2022 says a lot about the Rockies’ commitment to him as a leader in the rotation.

Leadership and Clubhouse Presence

As a Denver native, Freeland brings an extra dose of passion and pride to the Rockies clubhouse. Teammates often mention his competitive fire and work ethic—they find it inspiring.

He leads by talking things through and by example. When the team hits rough patches, Freeland steps up, especially for younger pitchers trying to figure out Coors Field.

Veterans like Charlie Blackmon have praised Freeland’s accountability and professionalism. He connects with the pitching staff beyond just game days, putting in detailed prep and mentoring the younger arms.

Notable Teammates and Management Relationships

Freeland has built strong professional relationships throughout the organization. His connection with manager Bud Black stands out—Black praises Freeland’s mental toughness and competitive spirit all the time.

Over the years, Freeland has pitched alongside some notable teammates:

• Infielders: Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Ryan McMahon
• Pitchers: Scott Oberg and German Márquez

He’s kept things professional with owner Dick Monfort, even as the roster has changed. The departures of stars like Arenado and Story haven’t shaken his commitment to the Rockies’ direction.

Freeland’s mentorship of prospects, like Zac Veen, shows he’s invested in the club’s future—even when things get tough competitively.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Kyle Freeland has carved out his own space in baseball history as a Rockies pitcher who’s actually found success at Coors Field. What he’s done for the game goes beyond stats—he’s had an impact on both the sport and his community.

Postseason Appearances and Championships

Freeland’s biggest postseason moment came in 2018. He started the National League Wild Card game against the Cubs and threw 6⅔ scoreless innings at Wrigley Field.

The Rockies won 2-1 in 13 innings, and that outing still stands out as one of the best in Rockies playoff history.

The Rockies haven’t won a World Series with Freeland, but he’s helped them stay competitive in the NL West. That’s a division the Dodgers usually dominate.

Freeland’s ability to pitch well at Coors Field—where pitchers’ ERAs usually skyrocket because of the altitude and dry air—is honestly pretty rare.

Influence on Future Generations

Freeland grew up in Denver and made it with his hometown team, so he’s become a role model for young Colorado pitchers. His left-handed delivery and mental toughness have left a mark on players coming up in the region.

A lot of young pitchers study how Freeland handles the unique challenges at Coors Field. His slider and changeup combo gives them a blueprint for how to survive in a hitter-friendly park.

Baseball academies across Colorado point to him as proof that local talent really can make it big. When he signed his five-year, $64.5 million contract in 2022, it showed that homegrown players could earn major contracts without leaving Denver.

Community Involvement and Charitable Work

Freeland makes an impact that goes way beyond just playing baseball. You’ll often find him jumping into the Rockies’ hospital visits and youth baseball clinics all around Denver and nearby towns.

Every year, he runs his “Freeland’s Friends” program, handing out game tickets and giving underprivileged kids a chance to experience live baseball. Honestly, that’s reached thousands of young fans who might never have gotten to see a game otherwise.

He’s pretty passionate about environmental causes, too. Freeland teams up with local conservation groups, shining a light on how baseball and taking care of Colorado’s natural resources can go hand in hand—especially with all the climate issues Colorado faces.

Having a net worth of over $74 million has given him the means to really support the causes that matter to him. It’s the kind of thing that’ll probably stick around long after his playing days are over.