Reese Olson is a promising pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, and he’s made quite an impression in Major League Baseball since his debut.
He was born on July 31, 1999, in Gainesville, Georgia. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, but they traded him to Detroit in July 2021.
Olson earns an annual salary of $787,100 with the Detroit Tigers, a bump from his previous $720,000. That jump shows the Tigers believe in his potential on the mound. Right now, he’s on a one-year deal with guaranteed money as he continues growing at the major league level.
Even though he’s still early in his big-league journey, Olson has a net worth estimated at around $908,391. That number should climb as he keeps carving out a spot in Detroit’s pitching rotation.
His rise from a 13th-round pick to a major league starter says a lot about the value teams see in his developing set of pitches.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Reese Olson’s path to the majors started well before his Tigers debut in 2023. His early years and amateur days really set the stage for his pitching career.
Background and Upbringing
William Reese Olson was born on July 31, 1999, in the United States. There’s not a ton of public info about his family life, but Olson showed athletic promise early on.
Baseball, and especially pitching, grabbed his attention as a kid. Growing up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, he played in local youth leagues and travel teams.
His natural arm strength and mechanical precision stood out, even in middle school. Coaches noticed, and those early experiences shaped his understanding of the game and his spot on the mound.
High School and College Achievements
Olson’s high school years highlighted his growing talent as a pitcher. Scouts and college recruiters started paying attention thanks to his steady performances and a fastball that kept getting quicker.
His high school stats showed both dominance and steady improvement, with strikeout numbers that hinted at future pro success. Olson’s ability to command several pitches at a young age really set him apart.
Instead of heading to a big college program, Olson jumped straight into pro baseball after high school. That move sped up his journey to the majors, letting him develop inside a pro system.
The Milwaukee Brewers saw his potential first. But he eventually landed with the Detroit Tigers, making his MLB debut on June 2, 2023, at age 23.
Professional Baseball Journey
Reese Olson’s road to the big leagues took him through different organizations and, eventually, into a key role with the Detroit Tigers. His time in the minors and his MLB debut tell a story of growth and persistence.
MLB Debut and Detroit Tigers
Reese Olson debuted with the Detroit Tigers in 2023 after a trade brought him over. The right-hander from Gainesville, Georgia, first got drafted by the Brewers in the 13th round (395th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft.
After working his way up in the minors, Olson found his chance with Detroit. Injuries opened a spot in the Tigers’ rotation, and Olson got the call.
He quickly showed why Detroit wanted him. The Tigers’ pitching development staff worked with him on his mechanics and pitch selection, getting him ready for major league hitters.
Major League Career Highlights
Since joining the rotation, Olson has made some real strides as a starter. He mixes in effective breaking pitches and keeps developing his command, which helps him compete with seasoned MLB hitters.
In spring training before the 2025 season, Olson fought for a rotation spot alongside bigger-name signings like Jack Flaherty. His performance earned him a look in Detroit’s pitching plans, even as the team brought in veteran arms.
Olson’s contract stays pretty team-friendly, with a $787,100 salary for 2025. That makes him a valuable piece for Detroit—talented, with room to grow, and not breaking the bank.
Fans are watching his development closely as the Tigers try to balance winning now with building for the future.
Key Trades and Transfers
The biggest move in Olson’s career happened when the Brewers traded him to Detroit. That deal showed the Tigers were serious about gathering young pitching talent as part of their rebuild.
Since joining the Tigers, Olson has become one of their developmental wins. His name sometimes pops up in trade rumors during deadline season, but the Tigers have held onto him so far.
Born on July 31, 1999, Olson is still young enough to be considered a core part of Detroit’s plans. His steady climb through the system shows the team’s patient approach with pitchers.
Detroit’s future decisions about Olson will probably depend on how ready they are to compete and how much he keeps improving.
Career Performance and Achievements
Reese Olson keeps developing with the Tigers. His pitches and control have gotten better, and he’s becoming a valuable member of Detroit’s rotation.
Pitching Statistics and Records
As a right-handed starter for the Tigers, Olson has turned in solid outings. Early in his MLB career, he posted a respectable ERA and started to find his footing as a steady presence in the rotation.
During his rookie year, Olson flashed some real talent with several quality starts. He did a nice job limiting hard contact.
Heading into 2025, Olson keeps building on past performances, showing better command with each start. The way he’s trending, there’s reason to think he’ll keep getting better as he logs more innings.
Key Statistical Highlights:
- ERA trending in the right direction
- More innings pitched each year
- Uses a solid mix of slider and fastball
Strikeout and Walk Rates
Olson’s knack for striking out hitters stands out as one of his strengths. His strikeout rate keeps climbing, showing he’s figuring out how to get big-league hitters out.
He’s also trimmed his walk rate, which means his command is getting sharper. That combo—missing bats and not giving out free passes—has become his calling card.
Strikeout/Walk Comparison:
Season | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
Early Career | Developing | Developing | Improving |
Recent | Improved | Reduced | Stronger |
Olson’s ability to get swings and misses has grown more important for the Tigers’ pitching plans. As he keeps developing, higher strikeout totals seem likely.
Postseason and Playoff Contributions
Olson hasn’t had much postseason experience yet. The Tigers are still working to build a playoff contender, and his growth lines up with that timeline.
Detroit’s playoff hopes partly hinge on Olson continuing to grow into a reliable starter. The team sees him as someone who could play a big role in future October runs.
As the Tigers improve, Olson will probably get more chances in meaningful late-season games. How he handles pressure situations will be something to watch.
For the 2025 season, fans hope Olson gets his first taste of high-leverage games as Detroit pushes to climb in the American League Central.
Contract Details and Salary Progression
Reese Olson’s financial path in MLB matches his growth as a pitcher for the Tigers. His contracts and earnings show the usual steps for a young player making his way in the league.
Current Contract Structure
Right now, Reese Olson plays under a 1-year, $787,100 contract with the Tigers. That deal is fully guaranteed, which is standard for players in their pre-arbitration years.
Some sites, like SalarySport, list his 2025 salary at $720,000. The difference probably comes down to timing or minor contract tweaks.
Tigers GM Scott Harris has focused on developing young arms like Olson instead of going after pricey free agents. Olson’s affordable deal gives Detroit some breathing room with their payroll.
Career Earnings in MLB
Olson’s career earnings are still modest, but they’re on the rise as he cements his spot in the majors. He got a $440,000 signing bonus when he signed, which gave him some financial security early.
His estimated net worth is $908,391, mostly from his MLB paychecks so far. That number should jump once he hits arbitration.
Olson sometimes comes up in MLB Trade Rumors, but his affordable contract and upside make him a player Detroit probably wants to keep. Since he’s still pre-arbitration, the Tigers control his contract for several more years before free agency is even on the table.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Reese Olson has started building a financial base early in his MLB career with Detroit. His net worth and earnings fit his status as a developing player.
Endorsements and Off-Field Earnings
Since Olson is still new to MLB, his endorsement deals are pretty limited. He hasn’t landed any major national sponsorships yet—those tend to go to more established stars.
Most young pitchers start out with regional deals or agreements with equipment companies. Usually, that means free gear and maybe a little extra cash, but nothing huge.
Olson’s net worth sits at $908,391, and most of that comes from his baseball salary. If he keeps improving on the field, his marketability should grow.
Local Detroit businesses sometimes team up with up-and-coming Tigers for promotions, so Olson could see his off-field brand start to take shape there.
Lifestyle and Investments
Olson lives pretty modestly compared to MLB veterans with massive contracts. His salary of $787,100 is just above the MLB minimum.
Young players like him usually focus on building savings, making safe investments, and keeping their spending in check. Financial advisors push for conservative moves early on, and so far, Olson hasn’t made headlines for any flashy purchases.
He’s from Gainesville, Georgia, and probably keeps some ties to home while settling into Detroit. Housing in Detroit is pretty affordable compared to other MLB cities, which helps young players manage their expenses.
Personal Life and Influence
Off the field, Reese Olson keeps things balanced with community ties and relationships that have shaped his career.
Community Involvement
Olson has quietly become part of Detroit’s community outreach since joining the Tigers. In the off-season, he joins the team’s winter caravan and connects with fans across Michigan.
He prefers hands-on volunteer work, especially with youth baseball programs. Olson likes teaching pitching basics to young players, focusing on communities that don’t always have access to good coaching.
“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball,” Olson said in a team interview. His volunteer work fits his small-town roots and the values that have guided his approach to pro sports.
Role Models and Teammates
Teammate Tarik Skubal played a huge part in Olson’s growth with the Tigers. He took time to mentor Olson as the younger pitcher tried to figure out major league competition.
They’ve spent a lot of hours together in the bullpen, working on technique and swapping ideas. Olson really values those sessions—they’ve made a difference.
He also watches how elite players in the league operate, especially how Juan Soto deals with all kinds of pitching styles. Olson likes to break down these at-bats, picking up little details that might give him an edge.
This habit helps him get ready for challenging lineups like the Cleveland Guardians. It might sound a bit obsessive, but honestly, it’s paid off.
Around the clubhouse, Olson doesn’t make a lot of noise. People know him for his steady professionalism, not for being the loudest guy in the room.
Veterans on the team often mention how open he is to feedback. Olson listens, takes notes, and isn’t afraid to adjust his pitching strategy if it means getting better.
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