Matt Manning – Detroit Tigers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Matt Manning is the Detroit Tigers’ right-handed pitcher who’s been turning heads in Major League Baseball since his debut. Born January 28, 1998, in Sacramento, California, Manning brings a powerful arm and sharp command to the mound. His path from Sheldon High School to the big leagues says a lot about his dedication.

Matt Manning currently earns $729,200 a year, with his net worth estimated at $5,243,933. The 27-year-old pitcher sits in pre-arbitration eligibility status with 2.112 years of service time as of January 2025. His contract status makes him one to watch as he heads toward possible arbitration.

Manning’s career has had its share of twists, including times when the Tigers optioned him to the Toledo Mud Hens as part of his development. The Tigers picked him in the first round and added him to their 40-man roster in November 2020. He’s still working on his craft, building his value in the league.

Early Life and Background

Matt Manning’s story starts in Sacramento, California, where he was born in 1998. Those early years shaped the talented pitcher who’d eventually join the Detroit Tigers.

Family and Childhood

Matthew George Manning grew up in a sports-minded family. His dad, Rich Manning, played center in the NBA for teams like the Vancouver Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers. That athletic background gave Matt a leg up and an early look at professional sports life.

The Manning family put a big focus on both school and sports, so Matt thrived in several areas. Growing up in California’s capital let him join competitive youth baseball programs where he started to hone his pitching.

He stood out early, thanks to his height and athleticism. Manning tried several sports but eventually zeroed in on baseball.

Education and High School Career

Manning attended Sheldon High School in Sacramento, where he was a standout in both basketball and baseball. His 6-foot-6 frame made him a force on the court and the mound.

On the baseball field, Manning quickly became one of the nation’s top pitching prospects. His fastball kept climbing in velocity, eventually hitting the mid-90s and catching the eye of MLB scouts and college coaches.

By his senior year, Manning had committed to Loyola Marymount University. But his draft stock kept rising. After dominating in high school, he got picked 9th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. That set him on the pro baseball path.

Professional Baseball Career

Matt Manning’s pro journey shows his growth from a first-round pick to a pitcher with a real shot in the Detroit Tigers rotation. He’s had promising outings and the usual ups and downs that come with learning the ropes as a big league starter.

MLB Draft and Entry

The Detroit Tigers picked Matt Manning 9th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft. At 6-foot-6, the righty from Sacramento brought raw talent and a strong high school resume to the organization.

He started his pro career in the Gulf Coast League and worked his way up through the Tigers’ system. Manning improved at each stop, including West Michigan, Lakeland, Erie, and Toledo.

His minor league stats showed he could become a frontline starter. That 2019 season with Double-A Erie really put him on the map as one of Detroit’s top pitching prospects.

Detroit Tigers Tenure

Manning made his Tigers debut on June 17, 2021, joining Detroit’s young pitching core. His first MLB seasons had flashes of potential, mixed with the usual growing pains for young pitchers.

The 2025 season looks like a big one for Manning’s development. He changed his uniform number to 15 in January 2025, but then faced a setback when the Tigers optioned him to Triple-A Toledo during March 2025 spring training.

His salary of $729,200 reflects his pre-arbitration status. Manning’s one-year contract gives him a chance to keep developing while chasing consistency at the big league level.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Manning has had some standout games that show what he can do. His fastball touches the mid-90s and he’s working on his curveball and changeup.

When Manning’s on, he gets swings and misses and limits hard contact. As he gets more major league experience and refines his pitches, he could take another step forward.

He’s had some injuries that slowed his progress, but he’s shown resilience by coming back strong. The Tigers still see him as a key piece of their pitching staff.

His net worth sits at $5,243,933, thanks to his draft bonus and MLB earnings so far.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

Matt Manning’s financial story in MLB shows how he’s gone from a top prospect to a pitcher earning a steady paycheck. His contracts really mirror his growth and the Tigers’ investment in him.

Rookie Contract and Signing Bonus

After the Tigers picked him 9th overall in 2016, Manning signed on with a big signing bonus, though the exact amount isn’t widely published. His rookie contract followed the usual structure for MLB prospects, giving the team several years of control.

In the minors, Manning earned the standard minor league wages while climbing the ranks. He played for teams like the Erie SeaWolves before getting called up.

The Tigers added Manning to the 40-man roster in November 2020, which bumped up his pay and marked a big step in his career.

Contract Extensions and Compensation

As of May 2025, Manning hasn’t signed a major contract extension. He’s still on his early career contract, so the Tigers have a lot of control over his future. His salary is $729,200, which is pretty typical for a young MLB pitcher still proving himself.

He hasn’t reached salary arbitration yet, but that could change his earnings in a big way if he puts up strong numbers. MLB’s system bumps up pay as players get more service time, and Manning’s following that path.

Salary Breakdown and Incentives

Manning’s annual salary of $729,200 gets paid out during the season. At this stage, his contract probably doesn’t include many performance bonuses.

Here’s what his compensation looks like:

• Base salary: $729,200
• Signing bonus: Not reported or minimal
• Performance bonuses: Likely low at this point

He also gets the usual MLB benefits:

• Travel and per diem
• Healthcare
• Pension plan

The Tigers have put a lot into his development, and his salary reflects where he’s at—still developing, but with clear potential.

Market Value and Free Agency

Manning’s net worth is around $5,243,933, covering his earnings and other income sources. At 6’6″ and 195 pounds, he’s got the physical tools teams love.

He won’t hit free agency for a while due to MLB service time rules. His market value will depend on:

1. How he performs over the next few seasons
2. Whether he stays healthy
3. His velocity and pitch development
4. What similar pitchers are making

If Manning locks down a role as a solid middle-rotation starter, he could land a big multi-year deal when he reaches free agency. Right now, established mid-rotation guys can make $10-15 million a year.

His health and consistency will play a huge role in what he earns down the road.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Matt Manning has built up a solid financial base from his baseball career and some smart off-field partnerships. His money comes from both his contract and a handful of endorsements.

Estimated Net Worth Overview

Matt Manning’s net worth is about $5.24 million, according to sports finance sites. That covers his earnings since the Tigers drafted him in 2016.

His main income is his baseball salary, currently $729,200. He also got a $3.5 million signing bonus when he joined the Tigers, which gave his finances a nice early boost.

If he signs a long-term extension in the future, his net worth could jump quite a bit.

Major Endorsement Deals

Manning hasn’t landed the huge endorsement deals of MLB superstars, but he has some partnerships with respected sports brands. He’s focused on working with baseball-specific companies that fit his image.

He’s done card signings and memorabilia deals with Panini, which adds to his income. Those kinds of deals are pretty common for young players building their brand.

He’s also got equipment sponsorships, but he keeps a lower profile with endorsements than some other big-name players. If he becomes a top starter for Detroit, bigger deals might start coming his way.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Away from baseball, Matt Manning tries to keep things balanced with personal interests and giving back to the community. His life outside the game shows his values and commitment to making a difference.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Manning gives back to the Detroit community through the Tigers’ annual winter caravan, where he visits schools and hospitals around Michigan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Manning donated to food banks in Detroit and Sacramento. He’s also worked with youth baseball programs, especially in underprivileged areas.

In 2023, he started a free pitching clinic in Detroit for young athletes who might not have access to professional coaching.

“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball,” Manning said at a community event last year.

Interests Outside Baseball

When he’s not pitching, Manning likes to get outdoors—he’s an avid fisherman and spends off-days exploring Michigan’s lakes.

He’s also into cooking, sharing his food experiments on social media from time to time. That hobby started in the minors as a way to eat better while traveling.

Manning enjoys technology and gaming, often playing video games with teammates on the road. He gravitates toward strategy games that give him a different kind of challenge.

He stays close with his family in California, heading back to Sacramento in the offseason to reconnect and spend time with loved ones.

Legacy and Impact

Matt Manning’s pitching style and career arc have drawn some comparisons to notable pitchers from the past and present. He’s still building his legacy, but his potential to impact the Detroit Tigers and the wider baseball world is definitely something to watch.

Comparison to Notable Pitchers

Manning’s tall, lean frame and powerful fastball have drawn comparisons to former Tigers ace Justin Verlander.

At 6’6″, Manning uses his height to create a sharp downward angle on his pitches, a bit like how Randy Johnson used to dominate hitters.

His mechanics remind people of Max Scherzer, especially with how he can keep his velocity up late into games.

Scouts say his curveball has plus potential, and it even looks a lot like the breaking ball that helped Adam Wainwright succeed for so many years with the Cardinals.

Manning hasn’t moved as quickly through the ranks as some first-round picks, but honestly, that steady approach feels a lot like what Corey Kluber did before he really broke out.

Unlike NFL quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, baseball pitchers usually need more time to really reach their peak.

Potential for Hall of Fame

People are just starting to talk about Manning’s Hall of Fame chances. Since he came in with a first-round pedigree and a $3.5 million signing bonus, folks have expected a lot from him right out of the gate.

If Manning wants to get into Hall of Fame discussions, he’ll have to do a few things. He needs to become a steady All-Star.

He’ll also have to rack up at least 150 wins over his career. Keeping his ERA under 3.50 would go a long way, too.

Postseason success? That’s a must if he’s going to make a real case.

Right now, Manning’s earning a pretty modest $729,200 salary. He’s got plenty of seasons ahead to prove himself.

The Tigers clearly believe in him since they keep investing in his development. They seem to think he could become a real cornerstone for the franchise.

Nobody’s putting him in the same conversation as Atlanta Falcons legends—yet. But honestly, if his secondary pitches keep improving, why couldn’t he reach the level of a true frontline starter?