Myles Straw – Toronto Blue Jays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Myles Straw has carved out a spot as a defensive specialist in Major League Baseball. He currently patrols center field for the Cleveland Guardians.

People know Straw for his speed and sharp glove work. He doesn’t hit for much power, but his defense makes him a key piece on the roster.

In 2022, Straw chose to stick with the Guardians, signing a 5-year, $25 million extension that includes a $2 million signing bonus and runs through 2026.

Salary numbers bounce around depending on the source, but Straw pulls in about $2.5 million for the 2025 season. Over his career, he’s secured a solid financial base, with estimates of his net worth running from $5 million to $26 million, depending on how you crunch the numbers and what you count as guaranteed.

Straw’s offense has drawn its fair share of criticism—he posted the lowest slugging percentage and OPS in MLB in 2022. Still, his top-tier defense keeps him in the lineup.

He started out with the Houston Astros before becoming Cleveland’s defensive anchor. His story shows how much teams value specialized skills in today’s game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Myles Straw’s path to pro baseball started with pretty humble beginnings. He worked his way up through the amateur ranks until the Houston Astros finally took notice.

Childhood and Background

Born Myles James Noble Straw on October 17, 1994, he grew up in a family that loved sports. He spent his early years in California, where baseball first caught his eye.

Unlike those kids who seem destined for the majors from day one, Straw didn’t stand out right away.

He showed athletic promise, but scouts didn’t peg him as a future pro. At 5’10” and on the lean side, Straw had to lean on speed and smarts instead of the power scouts usually chase.

Development as an Amateur Player

Straw’s baseball journey picked up speed at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California. He wasn’t heavily recruited, but each year he got better, especially with his glove and on the bases.

After high school, he played at St. Johns River State College in Florida. There, his speed really set him apart, letting him cover tons of ground in the outfield and swipe bases with ease.

The Houston Astros noticed that unique skill set and grabbed Straw in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. It wasn’t a headline-making pick, but it gave him the shot he needed.

MLB Journey and Playing Career

Myles Straw’s pro career is all about defense, speed, and becoming a contact hitter across a couple of teams. He’s spent time with both the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians.

Debut and Early Years with Houston Astros

The Houston Astros drafted Straw in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. His work in the minors—especially his speed and defense—earned him an MLB debut on September 15, 2018.

In Houston, Straw mostly filled in as a utility outfielder and pinch runner. His speed made him a threat on the bases and a reliable defender.

In 2019, Straw played in 56 games, hit .269, and stole 8 bases. He even filled in at shortstop when the Astros needed him, showing off his athleticism.

During the shortened 2020 season, he kept working on his game and tried to carve out more playing time in Houston’s crowded outfield.

Role and Growth with Cleveland Guardians

At the 2021 trade deadline, Houston sent Straw to Cleveland. This move really changed things for him—he immediately became Cleveland’s everyday center fielder.

Cleveland saw Straw’s defensive upside and let him play regularly. He impressed the front office enough that they signed him to a 5-year, $25 million extension in April 2022, including a $2 million signing bonus.

With the Guardians, Straw became one of the best defensive center fielders in the league. His range and instincts let him cover a ton of ground, saving runs for the pitching staff.

His offense has gone up and down, but his defense and baserunning have made him a steady contributor for Cleveland.

Notable Performances and Career Highlights

Straw nearly grabbed a Gold Glove in 2022, making the finalist list for the award. He’s made plenty of highlight-reel catches that show off his exceptional range and instincts.

On the bases, he’s always among MLB’s fastest. His stolen base percentage puts him up there with the most efficient baserunners.

While with Cleveland, Straw has had several multi-hit games, hinting at his upside as a top-of-the-order table-setter. His knack for getting on base and putting pressure on defenses with his speed has helped both teams he’s played for.

As of 2025, Straw plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, still making his mark as a defensive specialist whose value isn’t always obvious in the box score.

Myles Straw’s Contract History

Myles Straw’s MLB journey has included some strategic contract moves and trades that have shaped his financial path. His contracts tell the story of a player who’s grown from a rookie outfielder to a respected defensive specialist.

Rookie Contracts and Early Salaries

Straw started his MLB career with the Houston Astros after they picked him in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. His first minor league deal came with a modest signing bonus, which is pretty standard for mid-round picks.

After his MLB debut in 2018, Straw played under the usual pre-arbitration rookie contract, making close to the league minimum. In those first years, he didn’t earn much by MLB standards as he worked to prove himself.

In 2019 and 2020, Straw kept earning near-minimum salaries with the Astros, as is typical for players with less than three years in the majors. These early deals set him up for bigger paydays down the road.

Notable Trades and Contract Extensions

Straw’s career took a big turn in July 2021 when the Astros traded him to the Cleveland Guardians. That trade gave him more playing time and changed his contract situation for the better.

After a strong showing in Cleveland in 2021, where he flashed his elite defense in center, the Guardians rewarded him with a contract extension. In April 2022, Cleveland locked him up with a five-year, $25 million deal.

The extension included a $5 million club option for 2027 and a $1 million buyout, showing Cleveland’s commitment. The deal covered his remaining pre-arbitration year, all three arbitration years, and even a couple of years he could have hit free agency.

Current Contract Details

By 2025, Straw sits in the middle of his five-year extension with Cleveland. He’s making $2.5 million this season, a big jump from his early-career paychecks.

His contract goes up in value each year, so his biggest paydays are still ahead. That’s pretty standard for deals that buy out arbitration years.

In January 2025, the Blue Jays traded for Straw, along with some cash and international bonus pool space. The move affects his team, but the core contract numbers stay the same.

Straw’s total baseball earnings have helped him reach an estimated net worth of $5 million, though some sources say it’s closer to $26 million.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Myles Straw has built up his wealth through his MLB career, with estimates of his net worth all over the map. His big contract with the Guardians gave him real financial stability.

Salary Evolution and Earnings

Straw’s financial story in the majors has been on the rise since his debut. His biggest payday came when he signed a 5-year, $25 million contract with Cleveland, including a $2 million signing bonus. The Guardians offered that deal after he impressed them post-trade.

For 2025, Straw’s salary sits at about $2.5 million, part of his guaranteed earnings under the multi-year contract. The Guardians clearly value his defense and what he brings to the team, even if it doesn’t always show up in the box score.

Estimates for Straw’s net worth are all over the place:

• $26.17 million (SalarySport)
• $5 million (as of 2024)
• $1.1 million (as of April 2022)

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Most of Straw’s money comes from his MLB contracts. He probably picks up extra income from other ventures, too, even though those details aren’t public.

Players at his level usually get some endorsement deals—maybe with sporting goods brands or local companies.

Since joining the Guardians and signing his long-term deal, Straw’s profile has grown. Being known as an elite defensive outfielder gives him some unique marketing angles.

He might also run baseball camps, do speaking gigs, or make other appearances that bring in extra cash. Managing his finances well will matter as he finishes this contract and looks toward future earnings.

Impact on Team Performance

Myles Straw brings value to his team that goes way beyond the usual stats. His elite defense and presence in the clubhouse make him a key part of Cleveland’s plans.

Defensive Strength and Statistics

Straw has earned a reputation as one of baseball’s top defensive outfielders. His range and efficiency in the outfield have put him among the league leaders in Outs Above Average (OAA) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).

In center, he covers huge amounts of ground—something Cleveland’s pitchers definitely appreciate.

His defensive stats back it up: Straw consistently ranks near the top for sprint speed and outfield jumps. He makes plays that most outfielders just can’t get to.

This kind of glove work has saved plenty of runs for Cleveland’s staff.

At Progressive Field, Straw’s ability to cover the big center field has turned a lot of would-be extra-base hits into routine outs.

Contribution to Scoring and Offense

Straw doesn’t really hit for power, but he focuses on getting on base and finding ways to create chances. He usually posts a higher on-base percentage than batting average, so you can tell he has a good eye and knows how to draw a walk.

He’s got elite speed, which makes him a real threat when he’s on the bases. You’ll usually find him near the top of the team in stolen bases, and he loves taking the extra base on hits, forcing defenses to scramble.

Straw’s contact-heavy style fits right into Cleveland’s game plan. He doesn’t drive in a ton of runs himself, but he sets up the big hitters by getting on base and moving into scoring position.

Since joining Cleveland, Straw has worked on being more consistent at the plate, hoping to match his significant defensive impact.

Influence in the Clubhouse

Straw shows up every day with a strong work ethic, and that’s earned him a lot of respect in the clubhouse. Younger guys actually watch what he does and try to copy his approach.

He leads quietly but gets his point across. Coaches often mention how prepared he is, and they appreciate the way he pays attention to the little things.

The Guardians offered Straw a five-year, $25 million contract, which says a lot about how much they value him—not just for what he does on the field, but for how he fits into their long-term plans.

Straw has mentored Cleveland’s young outfielders, helping set the tone for defense and showing them what it means to be a pro.

Notable Teammates and Organizational Influences

Myles Straw’s growth has a lot to do with the people and culture around him in Cleveland. He’s taken his defense and baserunning to another level by working with teammates who fill in his gaps and by playing for coaches who actually appreciate what he brings.

Key Collaborations with Guardians Players

Straw anchors center field and teams up with Steven Kwan, who’s a standout defender in the corners. Together, they’ve turned Cleveland’s outfield into one of the most reliable units in baseball.

Inside the clubhouse, José Ramírez has played a big role in Straw’s development. Ramírez leads by example, and their different offensive styles—Ramírez with power, Straw with speed—help balance the lineup.

Straw uses his baserunning smarts to work alongside middle infielder Andrés Giménez. The two of them make life tough for pitchers, often planning their moves together.

Josh Naylor brings a lot of energy, and that’s rubbed off on Straw. Even though they play different roles, they both care about keeping the team’s chemistry strong.

Coaching and Management Impact

Cleveland’s coaching staff really helped Straw sharpen his defensive game. They love defense-first outfielders around here, so Straw fits right in—his skills actually matter to them.

Former manager Terry Francona trusted Straw a lot. Even when Straw struggled at the plate, Francona kept him in the lineup for his defense. That kind of belief can do wonders for a player’s confidence.

Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie have both benefited from having Straw cover so much ground in center. Pitchers who rely on contact really appreciate someone like Straw backing them up.

The front office didn’t just talk about their faith in Straw—they gave him a 5-year, $25 million contract. That’s a clear sign they’re willing to build around his glove, even if his bat doesn’t always show up.