Michael Grove – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Michael Grove has made his way as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers since they drafted him in 2018. Born on December 18, 1996, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Grove played college ball at West Virginia University before the Dodgers picked him up in the second round, 68th overall.

Michael Grove now earns $790,000 on a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his net worth sits at about $1,356,418. That’s a bump from his previous $722,500 contract in 2023, which really shows how his value keeps rising with the team.

By May 2025, Grove had logged 2.031 years of service time, which puts him in pre-arbitration status. He’s hit some bumps along the way, though, and right now he’s on the 60-day injured list. Still, the Dodgers keep moving him up through their system, so they clearly believe in what he can do.

Early Life and Background

Grove’s road to professional baseball started in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was born in 1996. Those early years shaped him into the disciplined athlete who’d eventually land a spot with the Dodgers.

Family and Childhood

He grew up in Wheeling, a city known for its industrial roots in West Virginia’s northern panhandle. Michael Alexander Grove learned the game on local ballfields, braving cold winters and mild summers. That seasonal play might’ve made him even more dedicated during baseball season.

Not much is out there about Grove’s family, but you can tell he had a solid support system. Wheeling’s close-knit vibe probably helped him out a lot as a kid.

He first played organized baseball in local youth leagues around the Ohio Valley, and coaches picked up on his natural pitching ability pretty early.

Education and Academic Achievements

Grove went to Wheeling Park High School, where he stood out as a pitcher. His performance got him noticed as one of West Virginia’s top prospects, all while he balanced school and sports.

After high school, Grove chose West Virginia University for college, sticking close to home. He majored in Sport Management and played in the tough Big 12 Conference.

His focus in the classroom matched his drive on the field, which helped him handle the mental side of pro ball. That preparation paid off when the Dodgers picked him in the second round (68th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft, seeing both his physical talent and his approach to the game.

Professional Baseball Career

Since the Dodgers drafted him in 2018, Michael Grove has worked his way through different levels of baseball. He’s put in time in the minors, made his MLB debut in 2022, and keeps pushing to become a reliable big-league pitcher.

Minor League Journey

Grove started his pro career when the Dodgers picked him in the second round (68th overall) of the 2018 draft out of WVU. His time in the minors had its ups and downs, just like most players working through the Dodgers’ farm system.

He moved through the ranks, tweaking his mechanics and building up his arm. The Dodgers didn’t rush him—they wanted to protect their investment.

His stats in the minors looked promising, and his fastball and breaking stuff really caught scouts’ eyes.

Major League Baseball Debut

Grove finally made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Dodgers. After years of grinding, he got to pitch in the big leagues.

That first game meant a lot to him. Facing major league hitters for the first time put all his minor league lessons to the test.

Adjusting to MLB hitters was a whole new challenge. His rookie year turned into a learning experience, and he picked up some valuable lessons he’d use going forward.

Key Teams and Milestones

Grove has stuck with the Dodgers organization his whole pro career. His contract history shows his progression, including a one-year, $790,000 deal.

A big moment came when the Dodgers added him to their 40-man roster, showing real confidence in his future. By 2023, he’d signed for $722,500 as he kept developing.

Injuries have slowed him down at times. As of May 2025, he’s on the 60-day injured list, which is just another hurdle. Still, his net worth is about $1,356,418, which isn’t bad for someone early in their MLB career.

Michael Grove’s Contracts

Grove’s time with the Dodgers has included a few contract arrangements since 2018. His pay has followed the usual path for MLB pitchers who are still getting established.

Rookie Contract Details

After the Dodgers picked him in the second round (68th overall) in 2018, Grove signed the standard rookie contract with a typical signing bonus.

He worked through the minors before making it to the majors. The Dodgers selected his contract on November 19, 2021, and put him on their 40-man roster.

That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and showed the Dodgers were committed to his growth. The rookie deal itself followed the usual MLB protocols for pre-arbitration players.

Contract Renewals and Extensions

In March 2023, the Dodgers renewed Grove’s contract as a pre-arbitration player. That’s pretty standard for guys who aren’t arbitration-eligible yet.

For the 2023 season, Grove made about $722,500. His salary went up the next year as he got more experience.

By 2025, his net worth hit around $1,356,418, thanks to his accumulated earnings. The Dodgers clearly see value in keeping him around.

Comparison with Industry Averages

Grove’s 2023 salary of $790,000 fits right in with what other pre-arbitration MLB players make. That’s the standard increase for up-and-coming players who haven’t hit arbitration yet.

The MLB minimum salary has gone up in recent years, with most pre-arb players earning between $700,000 and $800,000. Grove’s pay matches that trend.

Compared to veteran starters who’ve reached free agency, Grove’s salary is only about 2-3% of what the top guys get. There’s a huge gap, but that just shows how much earning potential is out there if he keeps progressing.

Michael Grove Net Worth Overview

Grove’s built up a modest financial base during his time in the majors. Most of his money comes from his baseball contracts, though he’s got a few other income streams.

Estimated Career Earnings

Grove’s baseball earnings are modest compared to the league’s biggest names. With the Dodgers, he pulled in about $790,000 for 2023.

His net worth is estimated at $1,356,418, according to sports finance sites.

Since the Dodgers took him in the second round in 2018, Grove’s value has climbed. His first contract was much lower, but as he’s gained more MLB experience, his paychecks have grown.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Grove isn’t exactly raking in endorsements like some MLB stars. As a pitcher still working to make a name for himself, he’s got limited endorsement opportunities.

Most of his sponsorships, if any, probably come from regional brands, especially in LA. He might have some equipment deals, but nothing big has been made public.

On social media, Grove doesn’t have the same reach as the league’s biggest stars, so he hasn’t really cashed in on sponsored content or national partnerships.

Other Income Sources

Besides his MLB salary and the occasional endorsement, Grove might pick up some extra cash at baseball camps and clinics. Those gigs can pay a few thousand dollars and help him stay connected to the community.

He probably has some investments too—most pros work with advisors to plan for the future.

He could also make money selling memorabilia or signing autographs, though those opportunities usually grow as a player’s profile rises. If Grove’s career keeps trending up, these side hustles might become more lucrative.

Philanthropy and Foundations

Grove’s influence goes beyond the diamond. He’s involved in charity work and community projects, reflecting his values and a desire to give back.

Charitable Contributions

Grove has quietly supported several foundations over his career. In 2023, he took part in the Dodgers Foundation fundraising gala, which raised over $3.5 million for youth programs in LA.

He tends to focus on youth sports, especially in San Diego County, where he’s got some ties. He’s donated equipment to underfunded baseball programs and helped fund scholarships for young athletes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grove joined other players in pitching in for emergency relief, pledging part of his MLB salary to help stadium workers who lost income.

Community Engagement

Grove gets involved with the Dodgers’ outreach efforts, from hospital visits to youth clinics. He seems to genuinely enjoy connecting with fans—not just signing autographs, but actually spending time with people.

In the offseason, he goes back home to run free clinics for kids, focusing on both sports and academics. That fits with his own belief in developing well-rounded young people.

He’s even worked with literacy programs, reading to kids and donating books. In 2024, he visited Boston and teamed up with local education initiatives in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Grove’s approach to community work is pretty low-key. He prefers sustainable, long-term projects over one-off publicity events.

Research and Analysis

Analysts have kept a close eye on Grove’s career, using advanced stats and metrics to track his performance. His play affects team dynamics in real ways, and his numbers offer insight into how he’s growing as a pitcher.

Impact on Team Performance

Grove’s impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t just about his own numbers. If you look at team performance when Grove takes the mound, you’ll notice the Dodgers’ results have shifted along with his growth as a pitcher.

He’s moved around in the pitching rotation since joining the organization. The Dodgers picked him up in 2018 with the 68th overall draft pick and wasted no time showing their belief in him, handing over a 1.2 million signing bonus to kick off his pro career.

When Grove pitches well, the bullpen doesn’t have to work as hard. That helps the whole pitching staff breathe a little easier, and you can see it reflected in the team’s ERA (Earned Run Average) during his outings. It’s a ripple effect—one good start can set up the rest of the rotation for success.

Statistical Research

If you dig into the advanced metrics, you’ll spot some interesting trends in Grove’s journey as a big leaguer. His contract has changed quite a bit since that first deal—he’s now on a 1-year, $790,000 contract with the Dodgers.

Here’s a quick snapshot of Grove’s performance numbers:

• Strikeout Rate: There’s a clear trend over the years.
• Ground Ball Percentage: Always a big factor for pitchers.
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched): Tells you a lot about his consistency.

Right now, Grove’s net worth sits at about $1,356,418, which lines up with his early career contracts and steady progress.

His stats and profile keep shifting as analysts follow his path, using both old-school numbers and newer metrics to try to predict where he’s headed next.

Personal Life and Interests

Off the field, Michael Grove keeps things pretty low-key. He’s got a life outside baseball, and his interests give you a better sense of who he is beyond the numbers.

Hobbies and Off-Field Pursuits

Grove grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, and those roots still run deep. In the off-season, he usually heads back home to spend time with family and friends.

He’s a West Virginia University alum, so he keeps in touch with his college crowd. Some old teammates say he loves outdoor stuff—fishing, hiking, that sort of thing. Makes sense, considering the mountains back home.

His time recovering from Tommy John surgery in college changed things for him, too. He started getting into fitness science and recovery techniques, picking up habits that go way beyond the usual training routine.

Public Image and Media Presence

Grove keeps things pretty low-key when it comes to his public profile, especially compared to a lot of other MLB players. Honestly, you get the sense he just wants to focus on the game and avoid the extra noise.

You’ll spot him now and then at Los Angeles Dodgers community events, but he doesn’t show up much in the big marketing pushes.

When he does interviews, Grove comes across as direct and professional—he’s all about baseball, not putting on a show. Some teammates say he’s the type who puts in the work quietly, not chasing attention.

His social media? It’s pretty minimal. He mostly posts updates about his career or a few training clips, rarely anything personal. That’s just his style.