Victor Scott II is turning heads as a rookie outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025. Born on February 12, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, Scott joined the Cardinals as the 157th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft after a strong college run at West Virginia University.
The speedy center fielder inked a one-year contract for $764,150 with the Cardinals, all guaranteed.
Scott made his MLB debut on March 28, 2024, and quickly caught fans’ attention with his sharp defense and base-stealing speed.
He shot up the Cardinals’ minor league system, giving everyone a glimpse of his star potential. Even though he’s just getting started, baseball analysts already praise his athleticism and work ethic.
You won’t find many details about Scott’s net worth out there, but his rookie contract sets him up well. As a 2022 draftee who picked up a $350,400 signing bonus, Scott shows the Cardinals’ focus on developing their own talent.
He’s living out the dream that so many young athletes chase—from college standout to MLB player.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Victor Scott II’s baseball journey started early in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born on February 12, 2001.
He grew up loving sports, and his athletic ability stood out even as a kid.
Background and Family
Scott grew up in Atlanta, surrounded by an environment that encouraged his athletic growth.
Details about his family aren’t widely public, but it’s clear his upbringing taught him the discipline and drive you need to succeed in sports.
He showed off his speed and coordination from a young age, skills that would later define his game.
His left-handed batting and throwing made him a unique prospect.
Those early years set the stage for his rise as a baseball player with real professional potential.
High School Baseball Journey
Scott attended East St. Louis Senior High School, where he played more than just baseball.
He took on football and basketball too, making him a true multi-sport athlete.
That variety helped him build a well-rounded skill set, which translated onto the baseball field.
During high school, he started to show off the outfield defense and speed that would later draw scouts’ eyes.
He stood out as an outfielder with great range and a natural left-handed swing.
College recruiters soon started to notice his performances in games and tournaments.
College Achievements
Scott decided to play college baseball at West Virginia University, where he became a standout outfielder.
He kept sharpening his skills and started to look like a real professional prospect.
In college, he showed off his defense in center field, using his speed and instincts to cover a ton of ground.
His left-handed bat kept improving as well.
MLB scouts, especially from the Cardinals, took notice of his growth at West Virginia.
Those college years really prepared him for the leap to pro baseball.
Professional Career Highlights
Victor Scott II’s path to the majors highlights his elite speed, defensive skills, and his improving offense.
He rose fast through the Cardinals’ system, and now he’s a big part of the team’s plans.
Draft and Signing with St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals grabbed Victor Scott II in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of West Virginia.
He signed with the Cardinals for a bonus that matched his draft slot and began his pro career.
Scouts liked his college numbers, especially his speed and defense in center field.
He worked on his hitting in his final college season, adding to his already impressive glove.
The Cardinals’ front office saw Scott as a future defensive anchor, with the kind of speed that can change games.
He fit what they wanted: athleticism and strong fundamentals.
Minor League Development
Scott moved quickly through the Cardinals’ minor league ranks.
He started in Low-A, where he showed off his base-stealing and range in center field.
His numbers at the plate kept getting better as he worked with hitting coaches to improve his swing and pitch recognition.
By 2024, he’d made it to Triple-A Memphis, where he kept refining his game.
His defensive stats were some of the best in the Cardinals’ system, with range and route efficiency that got the organization excited.
He kept racking up stolen bases, making him a threat every time he got on.
MLB Debut and Impact
Scott made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in late 2024 and wasted no time showing off his defense.
He picked up his first big league hit against the Cubs and swiped his first base in that same game.
His presence in center field let the corner outfielders play more aggressively, which made the whole defense better.
His average at the plate started out modest, but he showed more patience than most rookies.
He worked counts and used his speed to beat out infield hits.
Veterans like Ryan Helsley and Jordan Walker noticed Scott’s work ethic and willingness to learn.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Scott has become the Cardinals’ everyday center fielder.
By early May, his defense ranks among the league’s best, and he’s already pulled off several highlight catches.
At the plate, he’s posted an improved OPS of .735 through May 11, 2025.
His speed is still a huge weapon, with 14 stolen bases already—he’s near the top of the NL in that category.
Key stats for 2025 (as of May 11):
- Batting Average: .278
- OBP: .342
- Stolen Bases: 14
- Defensive Runs Saved: 7
Scott has joined Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker to form a promising young core, giving Cardinals fans plenty to look forward to.
His growth is especially important as the Cardinals fight for position in the tough NL Central.
Victor Scott II Contract Details
Victor Scott II’s contract with the Cardinals tracks his rise from college draft pick to big leaguer.
His financial story includes his signing bonus, salary changes, and what could come next as he cements his spot in MLB.
Initial Signing Bonus and Terms
When the Cardinals picked Scott in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, they signed him with a signing bonus of $350,400.
That matched his draft slot exactly, showing the team’s intent to lock him in without any haggling.
His first contract tied him to the Cardinals’ minor league system, where he’d work his way up.
During that time, he earned a minor league salary typical for prospects—anywhere from $4,800 to $14,000 a month, depending on level and experience.
He signed standard rookie terms, with the team keeping control through his pre-arbitration and arbitration years.
Salary Evolution
Scott’s climb through the minors paid off when the Cardinals selected his contract on March 26, 2024.
After that, he started earning the major league minimum, a big jump from his minor league pay.
As of May 2025, he’s in pre-arbitration status with 0.083 years of service time.
That means the Cardinals still control his salary until he hits arbitration, usually after three years of service time.
His salary matches the MLB minimum, which goes up a bit each year.
He’ll likely stay near that minimum until he gets enough service time for arbitration.
Current Incentives and Add-Ons
Scott’s pre-arb contract comes with standard performance bonuses on top of his base pay.
These are usually for things like:
- All-Star selections: $25,000-$50,000 bonus
- Gold Glove awards: $15,000-$25,000
- Plate appearances: Bonuses for hitting 300, 400, and 500 plate appearances
- Defensive innings: Extra pay for playing certain amounts in the outfield
The Cardinals also tossed in small bonuses for stolen bases—makes sense, since that’s one of his calling cards.
Unlike big-name veterans, Scott’s deal doesn’t have major marketing or appearance fees.
He could pick up more through endorsements, but those will probably grow if he keeps making a name for himself in the majors.
Free Agency and Future Prospects
Scott needs six full years of MLB service time to reach free agency.
With 0.083 years of service so far, he’s on track for free agency after the 2030 season—assuming he stays up in the bigs.
His arbitration years (usually years 4-6) will mean bigger paydays if he keeps performing.
The Cardinals might look to lock him up with an extension during the 2026-2027 offseason if he proves his value.
Any extension would probably:
- Buy out his arbitration years at set rates
- Add a couple of team option years for his early free agency seasons
- Include escalators for things like stolen bases and outfield assists
Scott’s ability to play all three outfield spots (see here) only adds to his contract value and could boost his earnings as he goes through arbitration.
Net Worth and Earnings Breakdown
Victor Scott II just started his MLB career with the Cardinals, laying his financial groundwork through his rookie contract.
Most of his money right now comes from his baseball salary, but there’s room for more through bonuses and endorsements.
MLB Salaries and Bonuses
Scott signed a one-year deal for $764,150 with the Cardinals—that’s his rookie contract, all guaranteed.
As a 5th round pick in 2022, he got a signing bonus in the low-to-mid six figures, which lines up with his draft slot.
His MLB debut on March 28, 2024, started his service time clock, which will shape his future earnings.
Right now, he’s locked into MLB’s minimum salary, but after three years of service, he’ll be eligible for arbitration, opening the door for bigger paychecks.
Endorsements and Other Income
Victor Scott II just started his MLB career, so his endorsement deals are still in the early stages. Most rookies usually land smaller deals with brands for things like batting gloves, cleats, or fielding gloves.
If Scott keeps impressing on the field, he might see some local endorsement offers pop up in St. Louis. Local businesses love teaming up with Cardinals players who fans get excited about.
Scott’s speed and defense, which everyone raved about when he was in the minors, make him stand out to sponsors who care about athleticism. Plus, his unique journey to the majors could catch the eye of big media outlets like Sports Illustrated. That kind of attention might lead to more income through interviews or special features.
Wealth Management
Scott faces some big financial choices now that he’s a professional athlete. Most MLB rookies work with financial advisors who know how to guide athletes through their first real paychecks.
Right now, Scott’s net worth mostly comes from his MLB contract and whatever he got as a signing bonus. Financial experts usually tell young players to stick with safe, long-term investments.
The Cardinals, like most teams, run financial literacy programs to help young players understand taxes, investing, and planning for retirement. That kind of support really matters as Scott figures out how to handle his new income.
The average MLB career doesn’t last long, so smart money management is a must. Setting up trusts, diversifying investments, and being sensible with spending can help Scott stay financially secure no matter what happens with his baseball career.
Victor Scott II in the MLB Landscape
Victor Scott II has made a name for himself in MLB with his speed, defense, and a bat that’s still coming along. He fits right into what the Cardinals want from their players.
Comparisons with Notable Players
Scott’s top-tier speed and defense naturally draw comparisons to guys like Trent Grisham and Harrison Bader. Scouts rate his speed as a 70, which puts him among the fastest outfielders anywhere and gives opponents plenty to worry about.
Unlike outfielders who focus on power, like Willson Contreras, Scott brings something different—he’s a defensive specialist who can steal bases. Honestly, his style is closer to early-career Billy Hamilton than to a big slugger.
Teams like the Phillies with Brandon Marsh or the Tigers with Riley Greene have found success with this kind of player. Of course, Scott still needs to keep working on his hitting to reach that level.
Cardinals’ Strategy and Youth Movement
Scott’s call-up fits right into the Cardinals’ shift toward younger players. His $764,150 salary is a bargain for St. Louis as they try to grow talent from within and keep payroll in check.
The Cardinals picked Scott in the fifth round of the 2022 draft for $350,400, which looks like a steal compared to what some veterans cost. This strategy is pretty similar to what the Dodgers and Red Sox have done—develop prospects, then add the right free agents.
St. Louis has paired Scott with other young players like Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn. This young core could help the team stay competitive without spending a fortune. It also gives the Cardinals some room to chase pitching upgrades, maybe even going after bounce-back candidates like Erick Fedde.
Influence on and off the Field
Scott was born on February 12, 2001, in Atlanta, GA. He brings a burst of youthful energy and athleticism to the Cardinals roster.
He uses his speed to impact games in ways that don’t always show up in the stats. When he’s on base, he pressures defenders and throws pitchers off their rhythm.
Scott played college ball at West Virginia University, which gave him maturity that goes beyond his pro experience. He’s still figuring out how to lead vocally, but his work ethic and attitude have already caught the eye of some veterans in the clubhouse.
He shot through the minor leagues because he stayed determined and the organization really focused on developing him. Scott jumped from Single-A Palm Beach to the majors in less than two years, showing what the modern player development model can do—it’s all about athleticism and defense, with some patience for the bat to come around.
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