Ryan Bliss kicked off his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners in 2024, bringing a burst of athleticism to the big leagues. Born in Burbank, California, on December 13, 1999, the Arizona Diamondbacks picked him in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft after he tore it up at Auburn University.
Right now, Ryan Bliss plays under a one-year, $762,100 contract with the Mariners, fully guaranteed.
He made his MLB debut on May 27, 2024, a huge moment for him as a professional. When Bliss signed his first pro contract, he landed a signing bonus of $1.25 million, which set him up financially right from the start.
Bliss has already built a reputation for being versatile on the field and showing real promise as a young player.
As of 2025, Bliss has an estimated net worth of $1.25 million, which mostly reflects his rookie contract and that early signing bonus.
Even though he’s just getting started in the majors, analysts keep pointing out his defensive chops and his steadily improving bat as reasons he could cash in big down the road. The Mariners seem pretty confident in him as they plan for the future.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Isiah Bliss was born on December 13, 1999, in Burbank, California. His childhood set the stage for what would become a pretty exciting baseball journey.
His early years shaped his athletic skills and gave him the foundation he needed for a shot at pro baseball.
Family and Education
Not much is public about Ryan Bliss’s family, but it’s clear his upbringing helped him develop as a ballplayer. He went to Auburn University, where he grew both as a student and as an athlete.
While at Auburn, Bliss stood out as a student-athlete, managing to juggle schoolwork with the demands of Division I baseball. That kind of commitment says a lot about his character and work ethic.
Amateur Baseball Achievements
Before he turned pro, Bliss put together a standout amateur career. At Auburn, he became just the fourth two-time All-America selection in school history, joining the likes of Gregg Olson, Casey Mize, and Tanner Burns.
His performance in college caught the eye of MLB scouts. The Arizona Diamondbacks picked him in the second round, 42nd overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Bliss’s amateur success laid the groundwork for his pro career and showed off the skills that would get him to the majors.
Ryan Bliss Professional Career
Ryan Bliss has moved up the baseball ladder fast since being drafted, showing off his skills as an infielder with sharp defense and a bat that’s coming along.
MLB Draft and Signing
The Arizona Diamondbacks chose Ryan Bliss in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Auburn. At Auburn, he was one of the top college shortstops, hitting .365 with 15 home runs in his last year.
After the draft, Bliss signed his first pro contract with the Diamondbacks. That first deal came with a bonus that matched his draft slot, and it kicked off his pro career.
Standing 5’7″ and weighing 165 pounds, Bliss immediately turned heads with his compact frame and surprising power. Scouts liked his quick hands, solid bat speed, and flexibility on defense.
Minor League Progression
Bliss started his minor league career in 2021, climbing through the Diamondbacks’ system. He began at the Low-A level and moved up through several minor league stops.
In 2022, he kept working on his skills, playing mostly shortstop and second base. His speed and range made a real difference in the field.
Then came a big shift—Bliss got traded to the Seattle Mariners, who clearly saw potential in him as a future big leaguer.
Throughout his time in the minors, Bliss focused on improving his approach at the plate while staying sharp on defense. He kept making adjustments, which showed his baseball IQ and adaptability.
Major League Debut
Ryan Bliss made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners, finally reaching the level he’d worked for. He was just 25 when he stepped onto a major league field for the first time.
With the Mariners, Bliss mainly plays second base, where his quickness and range come in handy. His MLB contract is worth $762,100 for the 2025 season.
He’s had to adjust to the big leagues, as most rookies do, but he’s also shown flashes of what made him a top prospect. His tight swing and patient approach have translated pretty well so far.
Right now, Bliss is on the 60-day Injured List, rehabbing and hoping to get back into the Mariners’ infield mix soon. His net worth sits at about $1.25 million.
Contract Details
Ryan Bliss’s contract with the Mariners reflects where he is as a young, promising infielder. His current deal gives some insight into how teams value up-and-coming players.
Initial Signing Bonus
When Bliss entered pro baseball, he got a signing bonus as part of his draft deal. The exact amount isn’t spelled out everywhere, but it was a solid chunk for a high draft pick.
Bonuses for players drafted in his range can vary, but they’re usually a player’s first real payday before they earn a regular salary.
That bonus money plays a big role for players like Bliss, who might spend a few years in the minors before making it to the majors.
Contract Terms and Duration
Right now, Bliss is under a 1-year, $762,100 contract with the Mariners. It’s fully guaranteed, so he knows what he’s getting for the year.
Short deals like this are pretty standard for young players who haven’t hit arbitration or free agency yet. Teams usually keep control of players like Bliss for the first few years.
His contract probably has the usual MLB language about moving between the majors and minors, which explains his time with the Tacoma Rainiers.
The Mariners called up Bliss from Tacoma in May 2024, giving him his shot at the big leagues.
Salary Evolution
Bliss’s yearly salary of $762,100 puts him close to the MLB minimum salary, which is normal for players just breaking in. It’s a big jump from minor league pay.
As Bliss racks up service time and keeps improving, he’ll have a chance to make a lot more. Players usually go through three pay stages:
- Pre-arbitration years: Near-minimum salaries (where he is now)
- Arbitration eligibility: Pay bumps based on performance
- Free agency: Big contracts if they prove themselves
His current net worth is around $1,250,000, which reflects what he’s earned so far and maybe some off-field income. How he performs will really shape his future salary—major leaguers who break out can see their income skyrocket.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Ryan Bliss has started building his finances through baseball, though he’s still early in his career. His current status reflects his rookie standing, but there’s room for growth.
Estimated Net Worth
Bliss has an estimated net worth of $1,250,000. That number comes from his rookie earnings and what he’s been able to save as a young pro.
Compared to MLB veterans, his net worth is modest, but that’s normal for someone just starting out. As a second baseman for the Mariners, Bliss is only now starting to build wealth from his career.
That number could go up or down depending on investments, taxes, and how he spends. Most athletes see their net worth jump once they get settled in the league and land bigger contracts.
Sources of Income
Bliss mainly earns his money from his MLB contract. He signed a one-year deal for $762,100 with the Mariners, all guaranteed. That’s his base rookie salary.
Before he hit the majors, Bliss made minor league wages, which are way lower than MLB pay. That earlier money helped a bit, but it wasn’t much.
He probably got a signing bonus as a draft pick out of Auburn, though the exact number isn’t public.
Endorsement Deals
There’s not much out there about Ryan Bliss’s endorsements yet. As a new face in MLB, he’s still building up those opportunities.
Typical endorsements for baseball players include:
- Equipment deals (gloves, bats, cleats)
- Sports apparel
- Local ads
- Social media promos
Most rookies focus on playing well before landing big endorsement contracts. At 5’7″, 165 pounds, Bliss could be pretty marketable as a scrappy, undersized player who gets results.
If he keeps progressing and gets more playing time, his endorsement chances should grow.
Personal Life and Off-Field Interests
Away from the field, Ryan Bliss keeps things balanced, with personal connections and interests that show there’s more to him than just baseball.
Charitable Activities
Bliss has made an effort to give back to the communities that supported him. While not much is written about it, he’s joined in on Mariners charity events.
During his time in the minors, Bliss got involved with community outreach, especially programs for youth baseball. These efforts help make the game more accessible for kids from all backgrounds.
He’s said community service is something his father taught him was important—his dad is his biggest role model. That mindset has shaped how he uses his platform as a pro athlete for positive change.
Hobbies and Interests
When he’s not fielding grounders or taking batting practice, Bliss likes to unwind with a few different activities. Video games are his go-to for relaxing and catching up with teammates away from the field.
He really values family time, especially in the off-season. That family-first attitude? It comes straight from his dad, who made a big impact on him as both an athlete and a person.
Bliss has talked in interviews about how his father taught him “how to be a man and how to never give up”. Those lessons stick with him and shape the way he handles challenges, on and off the field.
He doesn’t just stick to baseball, either. Bliss enjoys music and keeps himself moving by playing other sports in the off-season, mixing things up to stay sharp without burning out.
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s