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

Matt Vierling has become a valuable utility player for the Detroit Tigers since he joined the team in 2023.

The versatile outfielder proved his worth during the 2024 season, hitting .257 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI. He’s established himself as a steady contributor.

Matt Vierling currently plays under a one-year, $3,005,000 contract with the Detroit Tigers that he signed in January 2025. That’s a significant jump from his previous salary of $727,100.

At 28, Vierling’s net worth is estimated at $1,847,859. He’s climbed the baseball ladder since Detroit acquired him in a trade from Philadelphia in January 2023.

You can see how his career path shows that utility players can build real value in the majors with consistency and flexibility.

Vierling moved from a $704,000 contract in 2022 to his current multi-million dollar deal in just three years.

He plays multiple positions and keeps up his offense, so Detroit now relies on him more than ever.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Matt Vierling’s baseball journey started way before he put on a Detroit Tigers uniform.

His early years—shaped by family, high school, and college—gave him the foundation and drive that still define his game.

Background and Family

Matthew Gregory Vierling was born on September 16, 1996 in St. Louis, Missouri.

He grew up in a family that valued sports and encouraged him to try everything. His parents noticed his athletic talent early and pushed him to stay active.

The Vierlings cared about academics, too, which paid off later when Matt went to college.

His brother Mark played baseball as well, so there was always a bit of healthy competition at home. That probably helped Matt sharpen his skills.

Growing up in the Midwest in the early 2000s, Vierling had access to strong youth baseball programs. Those opportunities made a real difference in his development.

High School Baseball Achievements

Vierling attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis.

He stood out as a multi-sport athlete, but baseball was where he really made a name for himself as both a pitcher and outfielder.

During high school, he earned All-State honors and led his team to regional wins.

College recruiters and pro scouts definitely noticed his senior year—he hit over .400 and also impressed on the mound.

Coaches always praised his leadership and work ethic. His ability to play all over the field set the tone for his pro career.

College Baseball Path

Vierling chose the University of Notre Dame, where he grew as a two-way player.

His time with the Fighting Irish showed real progress both at the plate and in the field. He became a standout, with his athletic versatility catching the eyes of MLB scouts.

At Notre Dame, he worked on his swing and improved his plate discipline while learning different outfield spots.

His junior year really put him on the map.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked Vierling in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

Notre Dame gave him the fundamentals and mental toughness to handle pro ball. That experience set him up for the next step.

Professional Baseball Journey

Matt Vierling’s path to the majors highlights his flexibility and growth as a utility guy.

He’s gone from promising draft pick to an everyday MLB contributor.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Matt Vierling in the fifth round in 2018 out of Notre Dame.

As the 137th overall pick, he brought athleticism and versatility to the Phillies’ system.

Vierling started his pro career with the Williamsport Crosscutters in the New York-Penn League.

He hit .262 in his first season and showed some pop.

In 2019, he moved up to Class A Clearwater, where he kept working on his approach and defensive versatility. The Phillies liked that he could play anywhere in the outfield and even first base.

The pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor league season, but Vierling spent that year at the Phillies’ alternate training site.

He used the time to improve, and it paid off in 2021 when he quickly moved through Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Vierling debuted in the majors with the Phillies on June 19, 2021.

He didn’t wait long for his first big league hit.

At first, the Phillies used him mostly off the bench, but his ability to play all over the field earned him more time.

He became a key utility guy during the 2021-2022 seasons.

In 2022, Vierling played 117 games, hit .246 with 6 home runs, and covered five different positions defensively.

One highlight: he helped the Phillies reach the World Series in the 2022 postseason. His clutch play boosted his reputation as a reliable role player.

Trades and Team Transitions

In January 2023, the Phillies traded Vierling to the Detroit Tigers in a multi-player deal.

The move gave him a shot at more regular playing time.

Vierling quickly became a regular for Detroit.

His defensive flexibility let him play both infield and outfield, which helped the Tigers mix and match their lineup.

In 2023, he took on a bigger role, improved his offense, and kept showing off his defensive range.

Detroit’s bet on him looked pretty smart.

By 2024, Vierling’s role kept growing. The Tigers raised his salary to $3,005,000, reflecting his importance.

His contract runs through 2025, and he keeps proving his value during spring training and the regular season.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

Matt Vierling’s contract history shows how he’s moved from minor league paychecks to a multi-million dollar deal.

He’s seen big raises as he’s become a core utility player in MLB.

Initial Contracts and Signing Bonus

The Phillies picked Vierling in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

He started out with a modest minor league salary, working his way up through the farm system.

The Phillies called him up from Lehigh Valley in June 2021, putting him on the 40-man roster and bumping up his earnings.

Early in his big league career, Vierling earned close to the league minimum as he proved his worth.

His ability to play all over the field helped him stick.

Detroit Tigers Contract Breakdown

In January 2025, Vierling and the Tigers agreed to a one-year, $3.005 million contract.

That’s a big step up from what he made before.

Here are the contract details:

• Term: 1 year (2025 season)
• Total value: $3,005,000
• Guaranteed money: $3,005,000
• Average annual value: $3,005,000

The Tigers rewarded him after he hit .257 with 16 home runs and 57 RBIs in 2024.

They clearly value his bat and his glove.

Before this deal, he reportedly made $727,100, so the 2025 season brought a huge financial jump.

Potential for Free Agency and Opt-Out Clauses

Vierling’s current deal puts him in line for free agency after 2025.

There aren’t any reported opt-out clauses, which makes sense for a player at his service time.

MLB service time rules say you need six full years in the majors before hitting free agency.

If Vierling keeps producing and stays versatile through 2025, he could land a bigger multi-year contract soon.

Players who can move around the field like he does usually get paid.

The Tigers might even try to extend him before he hits the open market. His positional flexibility is a real asset in today’s game.

Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures

Matt Vierling has built a solid financial base through his MLB career, and he’s started to branch out with some off-field interests and endorsements.

His portfolio keeps growing as he finds his place in the league.

Net Worth Estimation and Sources

Matt Vierling’s net worth is estimated at $1.85 million, mostly from his baseball earnings.

His financial situation improved a lot when he signed a $3,005,000 contract with the Detroit Tigers.

That’s a big jump from his previous salary of $727,100.

Vierling’s wealth comes from:

• MLB salary and bonuses
• Playoff shares
• Investment income
• Real estate holdings

His latest contract gives him real financial security compared to his rookie years.

As he keeps playing, his earning potential should rise with future deals.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Vierling has picked up a few modest endorsement deals to go with his baseball income.

As his profile grows, he’s partnered with some baseball equipment brands for glove and batting gear promotions.

His endorsement list includes:

• Regional sporting goods retailers in Detroit
• Performance nutrition companies for supplements and recovery products
• Baseball equipment brands featuring his gear

These deals usually mean some social media posts, appearances at events, and using the gear on the field.

He’s not doing national campaigns like MLB superstars, but he’s picked partners that fit his image.

Consulting and Other Business Interests

Outside of baseball and endorsements, Vierling has started exploring other revenue streams.

He’s interested in baseball development programs and works with youth players in the off-season.

Vierling’s investments include:

• Small stakes in sports tech startups
• Property near his hometown
• A limited partnership in a youth training facility

He sometimes consults for college baseball programs, sharing what he’s learned with younger players.

He’s not building a business empire, but he’s making smart, manageable investments that don’t distract from his main career.

Playing Style, Accomplishments, and Impact

Matt Vierling has grown into a valuable utility player for the Tigers by mixing defensive versatility with a solid, improving bat.

He’s one of those guys who can plug into almost any spot and still contribute.

Position Versatility and Fielding Roles

Vierling’s defensive flexibility really sets him apart.

The Phillies originally drafted him as an outfielder, but he’s added a bunch of positions during his MLB career.

Vierling regularly rotates between center field, left field, and third base, which gives manager A.J. Hinch all kinds of options.

This flexibility became crucial in 2024, when injuries hit the Tigers’ lineup.

Vierling stepped up, covering multiple positions and keeping his bat in the lineup.

He’s got a strong arm and good range in the outfield, and his instincts at third base keep getting better.

This adaptability lets Detroit tweak their defense based on the opponent or the ballpark.

Offensive Statistics and Strikeout Rate

Vierling’s offensive game really shows how he’s grown into a steady right-handed bat. He brings moderate power and pretty solid contact skills to the lineup. In 2024, he put up a .257 batting average with 16 home runs and 57 RBIs. That kind of production landed him a contract bump for 2025, which feels well-earned.

What stands out most is how much Vierling has sharpened his plate discipline. He’s cut down his strikeout rate a lot since his rookie year. Now, he ranks among the Tigers’ most dependable contact hitters.

You can see this shift in his approach and how he reads pitches.

Key offensive numbers:

• 2024 Season: .257 AVG, 16 HR, 57 RBI
• Career progression: His OPS+ has climbed steadily since he debuted
• Situational hitting: He’s better than average with runners in scoring position

Key Teammates and Collaborations

Vierling has built some real chemistry with a few Tigers teammates. His defensive flexibility fits in well with the Tigers’ young infield, especially guys like Jace Jung and Colt Keith.

That lets manager A.J. Hinch mix and match lineups in ways that work.

In the outfield, Vierling works with the other Tigers outfielders to boost Detroit’s defensive stats. He can handle a bunch of positions, so the team can give players rest without losing much on defense.

Vierling has mentioned that he enjoys working with Scott Harris, the Tigers’ front office head. Harris really values players who can move around the diamond. That focus lines up perfectly with what Vierling brings, and honestly, it just works for both sides.

Notable Moments and Recognition

Vierling hasn’t made an All-Star team yet, but he’s pulled off some clutch moments that Tigers fans won’t forget anytime soon. He showed off his defensive versatility in 2024, making highlight-reel plays at three different positions—all in the same week.

On Opening Day that year, Vierling really set the tone. He went 3-for-4, blasted a home run, and even saved the game with a big defensive play.

That game seemed to kick off his productive season. Eventually, it led to his $3.005 million contract for 2025.

Teams looking for a versatile player have definitely noticed his steady improvement. Still, the Tigers seem pretty committed to keeping him around as part of their growing core, especially alongside ace Tarik Skubal and some other up-and-coming guys.