Mitch Spence – Athletics Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Mitch Spence is making waves in Major League Baseball as a promising pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. Born on May 6, 1998, in Kirkland, Washington, Spence got drafted by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2019 MLB Draft after playing college ball at the University of South Carolina-Aiken.

The 26-year-old righty is playing under a one-year, $765,000 contract with the Athletics, which guarantees him $765,000 for the 2025 season.

He didn’t take the express lane to the majors. Spence worked his way through the minors before finally making his MLB debut.

He’s still pre-arbitration, with just over a year of service time as of January 2025. While nobody’s shouting his net worth from the rooftops, his current salary keeps him in the lower tier of MLB earnings as he tries to carve out a spot at the top level.

Early Life and Education

Mitch Spence’s journey to Major League Baseball started in the Pacific Northwest, where he built a solid educational foundation that shaped both his athletic and personal growth.

Background and Upbringing

Mitch Perry Spence entered the world on May 6, 1998, in Kirkland, Washington. Growing up in the Seattle area, he learned to play baseball in a region that, despite the endless rain, seems to churn out talented players.

As a kid, Spence gravitated toward pitching. Those early years in Washington gave him chances to compete in local and regional leagues, and he started building the skills that would eventually open doors to pro baseball.

You can see the Pacific Northwest’s influence in his pitching style. He mixes technical precision with adaptability—traits you really need when you’re pitching in unpredictable weather.

Academic Journey

Spence headed to the University of South Carolina-Aiken, where he juggled college courses and his development as a pitcher. He played in the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference while keeping up with his studies.

His college years were huge for his growth. He sharpened his pitching under the guidance of the university’s coaching staff. Professors and advisors at USC Aiken helped him balance academics and athletics.

The program molded Spence from a raw talent into a draft-worthy pitcher. He caught the eye of MLB scouts and got drafted by the New York Yankees in the 10th round (315th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft. That moment marked his jump from student-athlete to professional baseball player.

Professional Career and Experience

Mitch Spence’s baseball story is all about determination and steady progress through several organizations. His path reflects resilience, especially in his move from minor league player (and part-time Target employee) to Major League Baseball.

Career Progression

Mitch Spence started his pro journey after the Yankees picked him in the 10th round (315th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of South Carolina State University. He developed in the Yankees’ farm system, steadily climbing the minor league ladder.

Then came 2020. The pandemic wiped out the minor league season, and Spence ended up working at Target to pay the bills while he kept training. That year tested his commitment, but he stuck with it.

The Oakland Athletics picked him up in the Rule 5 Draft, and that move gave him a fresh chance. With the A’s, he finally earned his Major League debut.

Roles and Responsibilities

Spence, a right-handed pitcher, has mostly taken on starting roles in his career. He’s tasked with executing game plans, keeping his mechanics sharp, and working on his pitch mix.

In the Athletics organization, Spence has had to help out a rebuilding pitching staff. This job isn’t just about throwing strikes—it’s about mental toughness too, especially against seasoned MLB hitters.

His work doesn’t stop on game days. He spends plenty of time in training, watching film, and working with coaches to fine-tune his approach. Staying healthy and keeping his arm in shape are always priorities.

Achievements and Milestones

Making it to the Major Leagues with the Oakland Athletics stands as Spence’s biggest achievement. Born on May 6, 1998, he hit that milestone at a pretty young age.

Signing that first $765,000 contract with the A’s marked his arrival as a legit big leaguer. That contract gives him both a financial boost and a vote of confidence from the team.

During his minor league years, Spence showed he could stay healthy and consistent—two things coaches love in a pitcher. Working retail during the pandemic and still keeping his baseball dream alive? That says a lot about his drive.

Spence is still building his MLB résumé, trying to become a reliable part of the Athletics’ pitching staff in the tough American League West.

Mitch Spence Contract and Financial Overview

Mitch Spence’s baseball career comes with a modest but promising financial package from the Oakland Athletics. His contract fits the mold for an entry-level major leaguer still finding his place.

Latest Contract Details

Right now, Mitch Spence is playing under a 1-year, $765,000 contract with the Oakland Athletics. That’s all guaranteed, so he’s got some financial security for 2025. It’s the standard minimum for MLB newcomers.

His deal reflects his new status with the Athletics’ pitching staff. After the Yankees picked him in the 10th round in 2019, he worked his way up to earning a major league contract.

The A’s, who are known for tight budgets, have found real value in Spence at this price.

Earnings and Payroll Insights

Spence’s $765,000 salary for 2025 makes him one of the more affordable pitchers on the roster. His contract is just a small slice of the team’s payroll, so from a financial standpoint, he’s a real asset.

Since he only recently made his MLB debut, Spence hasn’t racked up big career earnings yet. This contract is his first major league payday.

The Athletics’ front office is famous for spotting undervalued talent, and Spence’s contract fits right into that philosophy.

Signing Bonus Analysis

Nobody’s really reported details about Spence’s signing bonus with the Athletics. As a 10th-round pick by the Yankees in the 2019 draft, his original bonus probably wasn’t huge compared to early picks.

When he moved to the Athletics, any signing bonus would’ve been part of his new contract. For players like Spence, those bonuses are usually a small part of the overall deal.

Before his current contract, Spence probably spent some time with the Las Vegas Aviators, the A’s Triple-A affiliate. Success at Triple-A often leads to a major league contract.

Net Worth and Investments

Mitch Spence’s finances have started to grow since he turned pro, with his Athletics contract as his main income source. He seems to be taking a careful approach to investing, which is pretty common for athletes just starting out.

Net Worth Growth

Spence’s net worth is still modest compared to MLB veterans, but it’s on the rise. His one-year, $765,000 contract is his first real major league paycheck after years in the minors. Before that, he made much less—minor league salaries typically hover between $11,000 and $14,000.

The 2024 season really shifts his financial outlook. The MLB minimum salary (around $700,000) boosts his earnings, but after taxes, agent fees, and living costs, there’s not as much left as you might expect.

He’s also got a few other sources of baseball income:

• Performance bonuses (if he qualifies)
• Potential endorsement deals (still in the works)
• Spring training allowances

Investment Portfolio

Spence, like most rookies, is probably playing it safe with his investments. Financial advisors usually tell young players to protect their first big contracts and focus on long-term stability. While nobody’s shared the details of his portfolio, most MLB rookies do things like:

• Retirement planning: Contributions to the MLB pension and personal retirement accounts
• Real estate: Maybe a small property in his hometown or near the team
• Conservative investments: Low-risk mutual funds or bonds

With his first major league contract, Spence is likely more concerned with preserving wealth than chasing big returns. Most players in his spot focus on emergency funds and paying off any debts before they branch out.

Financial advisors who know the ins and outs of pro baseball usually help guide players like Spence through these early years.