Ramón Laureano – Baltimore Orioles Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ramón Laureano has carved out a spot in Major League Baseball with his standout outfield defense and a bat that’s still coming along. Born in Cuba, Laureano started his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics, but now you’ll find him with the Baltimore Orioles, playing on a one-year, $4 million contract. He’s built up an estimated net worth of $6.89 million, mostly from his MLB earnings—he pulled in $3.55 million with the Athletics in 2023 alone.

Laureano really grabs attention with his glove and that cannon of an arm from the outfield. The Orioles clearly believe in his abilities—they included a $6.5 million team option for 2026 in his contract. This setup gives both Laureano and the Orioles some wiggle room, and it locks in a bit of security for him too.

Early Life and Background

Ramón Laureano’s journey to MLB started in the Dominican Republic. His early years there really shaped him as an athlete.

He came from humble beginnings and worked hard to turn his natural talent into something more. That drive set the tone for everything that followed.

Family and Upbringing

Ramón Laureano was born on July 15, 1994, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Like so many kids there, he grew up with baseball at the center of his world.

The baseball-rich culture in the Dominican Republic gave Laureano plenty of chances to hone his skills.

Baseball in the DR isn’t just a pastime—it’s sometimes a ticket to a better life. Laureano threw himself into the game, and his family cheered him on, seeing his athleticism and love for baseball.

Details about his parents and siblings are pretty scarce, but you can tell their support mattered. The values he picked up in Santo Domingo stuck with him, especially when things got tough later on.

Amateur Baseball Career

As a young player, Laureano’s speed and instincts in the outfield set him apart. Scouts noticed his raw athleticism while he played in the Dominican Republic’s academies and sandlots.

Instead of signing as a teenager like many Dominican prospects, Laureano took a different route. He moved to the United States to chase both education and baseball.

He landed at Northeast Oklahoma A&M College, a junior college where he kept working on his game while adjusting to life in the U.S. That decision really paid off, letting him grow as a player and a person before he went pro.

Initial Scouting and Signing

Scouts at Northeast Oklahoma A&M got excited about Laureano’s mix of speed, defense, and budding power. His arm stood out—he could throw with both strength and accuracy.

The Houston Astros picked Laureano in the 16th round (466th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft. He wasn’t a top pick, but the Astros saw something others didn’t.

After signing, Laureano started grinding through the minor leagues. That kicked off a career that eventually led him to the majors—just not with Houston. His determination to prove himself became a big part of his story.

Professional Baseball Career

Ramón Laureano’s path to the majors really highlights his defense and that arm of his. He went from a minor league hopeful to a solid MLB outfielder with a few different teams.

Minor League Journey

After the Houston Astros drafted him in 2014, Laureano started his minor league career and made an impression pretty quickly.

In 2016, he hit .319 with 15 homers across two levels in the Astros’ system. He also swiped 43 bases that year, showing off both power and speed.

Despite those numbers, the Astros traded Laureano to the Oakland Athletics in November 2017 for Brandon Bailey. That move ended up being a big deal for both Laureano and Oakland.

Scouts kept praising his defense and arm strength as he moved up. Those skills became his calling card once he reached the majors.

Major League Debut with Athletics

Laureano didn’t actually play a big league game with Houston. Instead, he debuted with the Oakland Athletics on August 3, 2018, after getting called up from Triple-A Nashville.

His first game? Pretty wild. He got his first big league hit and then ended the game with a walk-off single in the 13th inning against the Detroit Tigers.

Just a couple days later, he made a jaw-dropping catch in center and fired the ball to first for a double play. That throw put his arm on the map.

Laureano quickly built a reputation as a defensive standout, playing alongside Matt Chapman and helping shape the A’s defensive identity.

Oakland Athletics Tenure

His years with Oakland were the most stable and productive so far. From 2018 to 2023, Laureano became known for his highlight-reel plays and growing offensive skills.

In 2019, he broke out—batting .288, hitting 24 home runs, and stealing 13 bases. That year, his WAR showed just how much he contributed on both sides of the ball.

But 2021 brought trouble. MLB hit Laureano with an 80-game suspension for a banned substance, which derailed a promising run.

Despite injuries and roster shakeups, Laureano kept delivering for Oakland. He worked with teammates like Matt Chapman and Shea Langeliers, sticking around as one of the team’s more reliable players.

Recent Teams and Transactions

In 2023, Laureano’s run with Oakland ended when the Cleveland Guardians claimed him off waivers in August. He played 41 games for Cleveland, hitting .243.

Then, in January 2024, Laureano signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. That move gave him a fresh start on a competitive team.

With Baltimore, Laureano has kept making an impact, especially with his defense, while fitting in with a talented roster.

His career shows what you get when a player leans into his defensive skills and keeps working on his bat. At 30 years old (as of 2024), Laureano remains a valuable outfield option for teams looking to compete.

Contract History and Salary

Ramón Laureano’s financial story in MLB has evolved a lot—from his early days to his current role with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s steadily increased his value by proving he can contribute both defensively and offensively.

Rookie Contracts and Arbitration

The Houston Astros picked Laureano in the 16th round (466th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft, and he started out with the usual modest minor league deals.

After the Astros traded him to the Oakland Athletics in November 2017, Laureano made his MLB debut in August 2018. He played under a standard rookie contract, earning close to league minimum.

By 2022, Laureano reached his first year of arbitration eligibility, which meant a big bump in pay. That’s usually when players start earning salaries that reflect what they actually bring to the field.

Recent Contracts and Extensions

On January 13, 2023, Laureano signed a one-year, $3.55 million contract with the Athletics, avoiding arbitration. That was a nice raise, showing his growing value.

The 2023 season wasn’t easy—he played only 64 games for Oakland before they designated him for assignment and the Cleveland Guardians picked him up.

For 2024, Laureano landed a $4 million contract with the Orioles. The Orioles must have seen enough upside to give him another shot, even after a tough season.

His salary now is a far cry from his early days, and his estimated net worth is $6,892,900.

Free Agency and Offseason Considerations

Laureano’s possible free agency keeps popping up as a big talking point. Teams and insiders watch his contract situations closely, especially in the offseason.

His market value depends a lot on what he does with the Orioles. If he keeps flashing that glove and his bat heats up, he could draw a lot of interest from teams needing outfield help.

Offseasons can be unpredictable—payrolls, roster needs, and the competition all play into what happens next.

Laureano’s reps will probably look at contracts for similar outfielders when they negotiate. Even with some inconsistent years, his defense and offensive potential make him an interesting option.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Ramón Laureano has built up real financial value during his MLB career, mainly thanks to his contracts with the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles. His earnings track his growth as a valuable big league outfielder.

Salary Earnings Over the Years

Laureano’s MLB paychecks have grown a lot since his debut. His latest deal with the Orioles is worth $4,000,000 for the 2025 season, up from his previous $3,550,000.

There’s also a team option for 2026 at $6.5 million, which gives Baltimore some flexibility and Laureano a shot at more earnings.

Before Baltimore, Laureano moved up through arbitration with the Athletics. Here’s a quick look at his salary growth:

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Unlike some MLB stars, Laureano keeps his endorsement deals pretty low-key. He seems to focus more on his play than on building a big commercial presence.

He’s shown up at community events in Oakland and Baltimore, building his personal brand through giving back.

His low-key approach to business matches his on-field style—he’d rather let his game do the talking.

Financial Highlights and Investments

Laureano’s current net worth sits at around $6,892,900. That number reflects his career earnings and how he’s managed his finances so far.

His Orioles contract keeps adding to that total.

He’s earned a solid living, though he doesn’t crack the list of highest-paid outfielders. I’d guess Laureano probably leans toward conservative financial planning, rather than chasing flashy investments.

He structured his Orioles contract to balance immediate pay with future upside through the team option. That move gives him some income security and helps the Orioles manage their payroll.

Laureano hasn’t shared much about his investment strategies. He keeps details about his personal finances and long-term plans under wraps.

Performance, Accolades, and Impact

Ramón Laureano has made his mark as an outfielder with a reputation for defense, a cannon for an arm, and occasional flashes of power at the plate.

Career Highlights and Key Stats

Laureano’s offense shows a mix of moderate power and speed. In 2023, he bounced between the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Guardians, and Atlanta Braves, hitting .259 with 11 homers for the year.

He’s shown real promise, especially during his early days with Oakland.

Back in 2019, Laureano put up his best numbers—batting .288, smashing 24 home runs, and swiping 13 bases in just 123 games. That kind of production had some folks mentioning him alongside outfielders like Kyle Tucker and Austin Hays.

His plate discipline? Well, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. High strikeout rates have held him back at times, but when he connects, he can really launch the ball—his exit velocities stack up with some of the game’s bigger power bats.

Notable Games and Achievements

Laureano hasn’t made an All-Star team, but he’s delivered some memorable moments. He kicked off his Oakland career in 2018 with a walk-off single—talk about an entrance.

He put on a show against the Angels in 2019, hitting two homers and robbing Shohei Ohtani of one in the same game. That night really highlighted his rare blend of offense and defense.

People really started noticing his arm strength in 2019, especially after he unleashed two rocket throws against the Red Sox. Those throws, both topping 95 mph, instantly went viral and cemented his status as a defensive standout.

He’s also had a knack for hitting pitchers like Cal Quantrill and Taijuan Walker, racking up multiple multi-hit games against both.

Defensive Excellence and Outfield Skills

If you ask me, Laureano’s defense is his calling card. His arm strength ranks right up there with the best—think Aaron Judge or Alex Verdugo for accuracy and velocity.

He’s gotten better at reading the ball off the bat and taking efficient routes, which lets him cover a ton of ground in center field.

Statcast numbers regularly rate his jumps and reaction time above league average.

Since coming up, Laureano has piled up defensive runs saved (DRS) totals that put him among the elite defenders in baseball. His highlight catches and outfield assists seem to show up on MLB’s top plays all the time.

In the outfield, he mixes raw athleticism with sharper technique now, making him a defensive force. I’d say he’s right there with guys like Christian Walker at their positions.

Injury History and Comebacks

Laureano’s career has hit a few speed bumps because of some tough injuries. In 2021, he got suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, and then a core injury made things worse. That combo really cut into his playing time and threw off his rhythm.

In 2022, a hamstring strain sidelined him for almost two months. That kind of injury? It messes with your defense and slows you down on the bases. You see the same thing with guys like Edwin Diaz when they’re coming back from leg injuries.

The health problems didn’t stop there. In 2023, he battled oblique issues that stuck with him through a trade to Cleveland and then Atlanta. Still, Laureano kept working hard to get back on the field.

The Baltimore Orioles signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract in February 2025. Clearly, they believe he can bounce back and contribute as a regular outfielder with guys like Heston Kjerstad.