Mike Burrows – Pittsburgh Pirates Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Michael Thomas Burrows is making a name for himself in Major League Baseball as a promising pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was born on November 8, 1999, in Waterford, Connecticut. The Pirates drafted him in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

Right now, Burrows earns $760,000 per year on his one-year contract with the Pirates. That contract is fully guaranteed, which must feel pretty good for a young player.

Burrows started his journey to the big leagues at Waterford High School, where he stood out as a pitcher before the Pirates picked him as the 324th overall selection. His net worth sits at about $500,000, and honestly, that number should climb as his MLB career continues. He isn’t pulling in superstar money like Joe Burrow in the NFL, but he’s following the typical grind of a developing MLB player trying to make his mark.

The Pirates have put their faith in Burrows’ potential, bringing him up to the major league roster so he can keep sharpening his skills. His steady climb through the Pirates’ farm system really shows how much the organization values growing their own talent. As the 2025 season rolls on, fans are curious to see how Burrows’ career and contract value might change if he keeps improving on the mound.

Early Life and Background

Mike Burrows kicked off his baseball journey in the small town of Waterford, Connecticut. Those early experiences shaped his path toward pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Family and Upbringing

Michael Thomas Burrows entered the world on November 8, 1999, in Waterford, Connecticut. He grew up in a modest New England town that really valued hard work and dedication.

His family played a big part in supporting his athletic pursuits from a young age. There isn’t a ton of public info about his parents or siblings, but it’s clear they gave him a strong foundation as he chased his baseball career.

The Connecticut shoreline, where he grew up, has a pretty rich baseball tradition. That scene gave kids like Burrows plenty of chances to play and get better through local leagues and school teams.

The Burrows family probably made some real sacrifices to help Mike—traveling to tournaments and investing in training isn’t cheap or easy.

Education and Early Influences

Burrows went to Waterford High School in Connecticut. That’s where he started to get noticed for his pitching.

Local coaches saw his talent and worked with him to improve his technique. He balanced his schoolwork with a growing commitment to baseball, which isn’t always easy for a teenager.

Several mentors likely influenced his approach to the game and helped him understand the mechanics of pitching. The competitive high school baseball scene in New England helped toughen him up and fed his competitive spirit.

His time at Waterford High ended with him getting drafted straight out of high school in 2018. That’s not something you see every day, and it shows just how much his talent had already developed.

Initial Interest in Baseball

Burrows didn’t really bounce around between sports like some athletes do. He locked in on baseball early.

Pitching caught his attention when he was still playing youth baseball. Coaches could see his natural arm strength and accuracy, even back then.

He liked the precision and strategy of pitching, which fit both his personality and his physical skills. Local youth leagues in Waterford gave him his first taste of organized baseball.

By his mid-teens, Burrows was all-in on baseball. He played in showcase events and joined travel teams, which helped scouts notice him. That focus eventually earned him a signing bonus of $500,000 when the Pirates drafted him.

His dedication during those years really set the stage for what came next.

Football Career Overview

Joe Burrow’s path to NFL stardom? It’s a story of grit and serious talent. He went from college football to becoming the franchise quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s been quite the ride.

College Football Achievements

Joe Burrow started his college career at Ohio State University, where he spent three seasons (2015-2017). He didn’t get much playing time, stuck behind other QBs.

He transferred to LSU in 2018, and that move changed everything. In 2019, Burrow had one of the best seasons ever in college football. He led LSU to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship, beating Clemson in the title game.

He threw an eye-popping 60 touchdown passes with just 6 interceptions. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy by a record margin, and he picked up a bunch of other awards too:

• Maxwell Award
• Walter Camp Award
• Davey O’Brien Award
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

Transition to the NFL

The Cincinnati Bengals picked Joe Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie deal worth $36.1 million on July 31, 2020.

His rookie season started strong but got cut short by a nasty knee injury in Week 11. Burrow bounced back in 2021, leading the Bengals to their first playoff win in decades and a surprise trip to the Super Bowl.

In 2023, Burrow locked in his future with the Bengals by signing a five-year extension worth $275 million, with $219 million guaranteed. That deal made him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.

Even though he’s battled some injuries, Burrow has proven himself as one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He’s known for his precise passing, cool under pressure, and real leadership.

Notable Teams and Trades

Mike Burrows has spent his pro baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, moving up through their minor league system before making it to the majors. His journey says a lot about his development as a pitching prospect.

Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Burrows, and he’s stuck with them ever since. He was born on November 8, 1999, and the Pirates added him to their 40-man roster on November 15, 2022, when they called him up from the minors.

Burrows signed a one-year deal worth $760,000 with the Pirates. That’s his first big-league contract, and it shows the team believes in his potential.

He’s one of the Pirates’ pitching prospects who’s worked his way up through their system.

Minor League Development

Burrows spent a good chunk of time with the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates’ Triple-A team. Playing in Indianapolis was a key step before he got his shot in the majors.

The Indians activated Burrows as he moved up the Pirates’ farm system. His performance there helped convince the Pirates to put him on their 40-man roster.

Like a lot of young pitchers, those years in the minors were all about refining his mechanics, building his arm strength, and learning the mental side of the game.

MLB Career Progression

Now, Burrows pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the big leagues. Getting to the majors capped off years of hard work in the minors.

His net worth is about $500,000. He’s still early in his major league run, so there’s plenty of room for growth—both on the mound and in his bank account.

The Pirates have focused on growing their homegrown talent instead of trading for established pitchers, and Burrows is a big part of that plan.

Contract Details and Earnings

Mike Burrows has carved out a spot as a promising pitcher for the Pirates, and his contract reflects his progress and potential. His earnings have steadily grown as he’s moved up the ranks.

Major Contracts Signed

Burrows hit a big milestone when the Pirates added him to their 40-man roster on November 15, 2022. That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and showed the team’s commitment to him.

Right now, he’s on a $760,000 per year contract. That’s a standard entry-level MLB deal, and it’s all guaranteed. It gives Burrows some financial stability as he keeps working on his career.

Before that, he earned minor league wages, which usually run from $700 to $2,500 per month during the season, depending on the level.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Burrows’ pay has followed the usual path for a young pitching prospect. He started with a signing bonus when he got drafted, then his salary increased as he climbed through the minors.

Once he made the 40-man roster, his salary jumped to the $760,000 he makes now. That’s the MLB minimum for players on the 40-man.

His net worth is around $500,000, which lines up with his career earnings so far. If he sticks in the majors and becomes a reliable pitcher, his future contracts could include arbitration and, eventually, free agency—both of which could really boost his pay.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Michael Burrows’ finances show where he stands as an up-and-coming MLB player. His assets, salary, and investment choices offer a peek at how he’s handling his money as a pro athlete.

Estimated Net Worth

As of May 2025, Michael Burrows has an estimated net worth of $500,000. That’s what he’s built up since starting his pro career. Compared to MLB veterans, it’s pretty modest, but that’s to be expected for a recent call-up.

Most of Burrows’ net worth comes from his baseball earnings, though he might have other investments that aren’t public. Some players pile up seven-figure net worths fast, but Burrows is still in the early stages of building wealth.

His current contract is a big part of his net worth. If he becomes a consistent MLB pitcher, analysts think his net worth could grow a lot over the next few years.

Income Sources Beyond the MLB

Burrows mainly earns his money from his MLB contract worth $760,000 with the Pirates. He doesn’t have many endorsement deals at this point.

He might get a little extra from regional sponsorships, but there’s nothing public about those. Players at Burrows’ stage usually focus on things like:

• Baseball camps and clinics
• A few local endorsements
• Appearance fees
• Social media partnerships

As a Pirates pitcher, Burrows could earn performance bonuses for innings pitched, ERA, or even All-Star nods, but the details on those aren’t out there.

Investment Strategies

Burrows hasn’t shared many specifics about his investment approach, but it’s pretty common for pro athletes to hire financial advisors to manage their money. Young MLB players like Burrows usually focus on locking in financial security early on.

Here are some typical investment moves for MLB players at Burrows’ stage:

• Conservative portfolio allocation that leans toward long-term growth
• Real estate investments for extra, passive income
• Retirement planning using MLB pension programs and personal accounts
• Emergency funds for those unpredictable career twists

Financial advisors often tell young athletes like Burrows to keep enough cash on hand while still chasing growth. The MLB Players Association steps in too, offering financial education to help players make smarter choices with their earnings and investments.

Legacy and Impact

Michael Burrows might be early in his pro baseball journey, but he’s already starting to make his mark. His story feels like a mix of grit and steady progress that goes beyond just the numbers.

Influence on the MLB

Burrows is still carving out his place with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but people have noticed his pitching style. Analysts and teammates talk about his command and velocity—it’s a good example of where pitching mechanics seem to be heading.

Young pitchers in the Pirates’ system often watch how he works on the mound. The way he’s fought through injuries has given coaches a real-life example to share with prospects who hit similar bumps.

His progress kind of shows how MLB teams now handle young pitchers with more patience and care.

Recognition and Awards

Burrows has picked up some recognition during his time in the Pirates organization.

He’s landed:

• All-Star selections at a few different levels in the farm system
• Pitcher of the Month honors as he climbed the ranks
• Spots on several lists as one of the Top 30 Pirates prospects

He hasn’t had much big-league time yet, but his contract value of $760,000 shows the Pirates see something in him.

His strikeout-to-walk ratio has looked strong, often sitting above league average wherever he’s pitched.

Off-the-Field Contributions

Burrows has quietly earned a reputation for getting involved in the communities where he plays.

He jumps into the Pirates’ community outreach, especially when it comes to youth baseball.

You’ll find him at local baseball camps, working hands-on with the next wave of players.

Coaches point out his patience and the way he breaks things down for young pitchers.

With a net worth estimated around $500,000, Burrows gives his time more than money right now.

He keeps his social media pretty low-key, usually posting about charity events instead of bragging about himself.

That seems to help him connect with fans and people in the community in a real way.