Tyler Locklear – Seattle Mariners Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Tyler Locklear is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball.

Born on November 24, 2000, in Baltimore, Maryland, this young third baseman has flashed real promise since the Seattle Mariners picked him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Locklear just signed a one-year contract with the Mariners and got the call-up from the Tacoma Rainiers when the team selected his contract in early 2025.

Standing 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, Locklear brings both a strong physical presence and real technical skill to the field.

He came out of Virginia Commonwealth University and is still in the early days of his MLB career, sitting in pre-arbitration with just 0.023 years of service time as of January 2025.

His story so far? It’s that classic mix of determination and skill development—stuff baseball fans can’t help but root for.

We don’t have solid numbers on Locklear’s net worth yet, but it’s safe to say his financial future looks bright.

He’s on a standard rookie contract for now, but if he keeps impressing Mariners management and fans, bigger paydays are probably on the horizon.

Early Life and Background

Tyler Locklear started his baseball journey in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was born in late 2000.

His upbringing and education played big roles in getting him to the Mariners organization.

Family and Hometown

Tyler Evan Locklear grew up in Baltimore, where his love for baseball started early.

We don’t know much about his family, since public details are pretty scarce, but his Baltimore roots have always been a part of who he is.

Maryland gave Locklear access to competitive youth baseball programs that helped him build his skills.

The Baltimore area has a deep baseball tradition, and the Orioles are a big deal in the community.

Local youth coaches and mentors in the Baltimore baseball scene helped Locklear sharpen his abilities as an infielder.

Education and Amateur Career

Locklear’s baseball skills really took off during his college years at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

He became a standout first baseman and third baseman, using his 6’2″, 210-pound frame to become a powerful infield prospect.

Scouts noticed his college performance, and the Seattle Mariners picked him in the second round (58th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft.

That pick launched his professional baseball journey.

At VCU, Locklear built a following among Delaware baseball fans who tracked his college career.

He managed to balance academics and athletics, showing he cared about both sides of student life.

Professional Baseball Career

Tyler Locklear’s ride through baseball has taken him from draft hopeful to MLB player with the Mariners.

He’s grown as a first baseman, working his way up from the minors and showing his commitment to getting better.

Draft and Signing

The Mariners picked Tyler Locklear in the second round of the 2022 MLB draft, 58th overall.

Coming out of VCU, Locklear impressed scouts with his powerful right-handed swing and patience at the plate.

After the draft, Locklear signed with Seattle and jumped into pro ball.

Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners’ front office saw a lot of potential in the Baltimore native as a corner infielder with pop.

Locklear’s college numbers backed up his offensive skills, making him a good fit for the Mariners’ farm system.

His selection showed the team wanted more power bats to balance out their already strong group of young pitchers like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby.

Minor League Journey

Locklear started his pro career in the lower minors, where he wasted no time showing off the hitting ability that made him a high pick.

His minor league stats highlighted his power and advanced approach.

Locklear worked on his defense at first base while he kept developing as a hitter.

By 2024, he’d moved up through several levels, posting solid numbers that made a big-league call-up possible.

His time in the minors let him grow alongside other promising Mariners prospects.

The organization’s player development staff worked closely with Locklear, helping him play to his strengths and improve his weaknesses.

MLB Debut and Mariners Tenure

Locklear debuted in MLB in 2024 with the Mariners.

The team called him up looking for more offense as they chased a postseason spot.

Fans welcomed the young infielder with high hopes, thanks to his minor league track record.

Once he joined the major league roster, Locklear worked with veterans like J.P. Crawford and Mitch Garver.

The Mariners’ coaching staff eased him in, giving him time to adjust to big-league pitching.

His first season had its ups and downs, as you’d expect from a rookie.

Locklear faced tough pitchers like Luis Castillo in practice, which helped him get ready for MLB competition.

The Mariners’ approach with Locklear matched their overall player development philosophy under Jerry Dipoto.

Notable Achievements

Even though he’s just getting started, Locklear has already created some memorable moments in a Mariners uniform.

He’s notched his first major league hit, home run, and RBI—milestones that every player dreams about.

Locklear has flashed the power that made him a second-round pick.

He’s shown he can drive the ball to all fields, which analysts and fans appreciate.

On defense, Locklear has held his own at first base, giving the team steady glove work behind pitchers like Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo.

Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and attitude.

If he keeps progressing, Locklear could see his role grow as the Mariners push for the playoffs.

Tyler Locklear’s Contracts

Locklear’s career with the Mariners began when they picked him in the second round of the 2022 draft.

His contract reflects his status as a developing player, with terms that follow the usual MLB rookie agreements.

Rookie Contract Terms

Tyler Locklear is under a 1-year contract with the Mariners.

As a rookie who debuted in 2024, he’s on the standard pre-arbitration deal that all new players get when they enter MLB.

Here’s what we know about his contract:

• No signing bonus info has come out publicly
• He’s on the league-minimum salary, standard for pre-arb players
• There’s not much guaranteed money, which is typical for rookies

Locklear sits in the “Pre-Arb Eligible” group as of January 2025, with just 0.023 service time.

That tells you he’s really just getting started in the majors.

Contract Progression and Extensions

The Mariners selected Locklear’s contract from Tacoma Rainiers, their Triple-A team, to bring him up to Seattle.

That move marked a big step in his contract journey.

Locklear’s path through the Mariners’ system has looked like this:

1. Minor league assignment after the 2022 draft
2. Promotion to Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
3. Elevation to Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A)
4. MLB contract selection in 2024

No one’s reported any extension talks yet, which isn’t surprising for a player with so little service time.

The Mariners usually wait through the pre-arb and arb years before talking long-term deals with their young talent.

Comparison With Peers

Compared to other players in his draft range, Locklear’s contract is pretty standard.

Similar Second-Round Draft Picks:

• Most get similar rookie deals with little guaranteed money
• How fast they move up matters more than draft spot for contract progression
• Extensions usually come after two or three years in the bigs

Third Base Peers:

• Veteran third basemen can land big raises once they prove themselves
• Young players with power, like Locklear, sometimes get early extension offers

Locklear’s journey from VCU Rams to pro ball puts him in the same boat as other college draftees.

He’ll probably hit arbitration eligibility after about three years of service time.

His contract path will likely go from pre-arbitration (three years), to arbitration (three years), then maybe free agency after six full seasons.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Tyler Locklear’s finances are still in the early stages as he begins his pro career with the Mariners.

Right now, his money comes from his rookie contract and whatever he can earn as he moves up.

Salary Earnings and Endorsements

As a second-round pick (58th overall) in 2022, Locklear got a signing bonus that made up the bulk of his early earnings.

We don’t have exact numbers for his minor league salary, but most players at his level earn between $8,000 and $15,000 per season in the lower minors.

Those numbers go up as they climb the ladder.

Locklear’s contract with the Mariners is a typical minor league deal.

Until he made the majors, his salary was modest compared to big-league players.

Endorsement deals are probably pretty limited at this point.

Still, as a rising prospect, he might start landing some regional sponsorships as his profile grows.

Investments and Assets

We don’t know much about Locklear’s investments or assets yet—no surprise, since most young players keep things private.

A lot of guys in his shoes focus on conservative financial management and work with advisors to set up long-term plans.

Real estate is popular among athletes, but there’s no word on whether Locklear has bought any property yet.

As a Baltimore native now playing in Seattle, he might have places in both cities.

Early in their careers, pro athletes usually focus on building up cash and setting up retirement accounts.

Good advisors push young players to create emergency funds, too, since a sports career can be unpredictable.

Personal Life, Recognition, and Community Involvement

Tyler Locklear has made an impact on and off the field.

He’s picked up recognition for his charitable work and earned awards that speak to his character.

Charity and Outreach

Locklear has gotten involved with several charities during his career.

He’s taken part in fundraising events for the American Heart Association, spending time in the off-season to promote heart health.

His commitment to community service showed up early in his pro days.

Locklear regularly visits children’s hospitals in Seattle and back home in Baltimore, bringing some joy to kids facing tough challenges.

In 2024, he launched the “Locklear Legacy Foundation,” which gives baseball equipment and coaching to underprivileged youth.

The foundation has already helped more than 500 kids across Washington state.

“Giving back isn’t optional—it’s essential,” Locklear said in a post-game interview.

“These communities support us year-round, and it’s our responsibility to return that support.”

Awards and Honors

Locklear stands out for his sportsmanship and the way he gets involved in the community. The minor leagues gave him the 10th Player Award, which says a lot about how much his teammates and the people around him appreciate him.

He keeps drawing attention for what he does on the field, too. Locklear managed to tie for the league lead in home runs during his minor league season, which really shows off his power at the plate.

In 2024, he landed a nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is kind of a big deal for humanitarian service. He didn’t win this time, but honestly, just getting nominated says a lot about his character and drive to help others.

Interests Beyond Baseball

When he’s not on the diamond or volunteering, Locklear dives into all kinds of interests that help him stay grounded.

He’s an avid reader and likes to swap book recommendations with teammates, especially on those long road trips.

Locklear picked up chess back in his college days at Virginia Commonwealth University. He still plays often, mostly to keep his mind sharp and challenge himself.

He absolutely loves the outdoors. Fishing is his go-to activity when the season winds down.

Some teammates say Locklear puts together fishing trips for the group, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a team tradition.

He also taught himself to play guitar. Every now and then, you’ll catch him performing at charity events, using his music to help raise money for good causes.

It all adds up to a pretty balanced approach to life, even with the constant demands of professional baseball.