Vidal Bruján – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Vidal Bruján was born on February 9, 1998, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Over the years, he’s become one of Major League Baseball’s most versatile players.

He’s currently with the Chicago Cubs, where he moves around the diamond—second base, outfield, shortstop, you name it. Not to mention, his switch-hitting keeps pitchers on their toes.

Bruján’s earning $783,500 for the 2023 season with the Cubs, and his net worth sits at about $853,614. He made his way to Chicago after stints with the Tampa Bay Rays—where he first signed as a free agent—and a brief stop with the Miami Marlins. The trade to Chicago for Matt Mervis marked a new chapter for him.

Teams really value his ability to play all over the field. The Rays originally signed him in 2014, and since then, he’s grown into a multi-position guy who can help out anywhere. His contract with the Cubs isn’t huge by MLB standards, but it shows the team sees potential in him.

Early Life and Baseball Journey

Bruján’s story starts in the Dominican Republic. His natural talent and relentless work ethic helped him climb the baseball ladder.

You can really see the ups and downs that international prospects face when trying to make it to pro ball.

Background and Family

Born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Vidal Bruján Esteva grew up in a part of the world that’s basically a baseball factory. That coastal city has sent hundreds of players to MLB over the years.

He grew up in modest conditions, like a lot of Dominican prospects who see baseball as their ticket out. There isn’t much out there about his immediate family, but it’s clear they supported him along the way.

Kids in San Pedro de Macoris often start out playing with whatever they can find before they ever get real gear.

Amateur Career Highlights

As a young kid, Bruján stood out for his speed and athleticism. Scouts started noticing him because he could switch-hit and had a knack for stealing bases.

Unlike some Dominican players who go straight to baseball academies, Bruján’s early training isn’t well documented. Still, his raw talent shined through at tryouts and showcase events where MLB teams were watching.

The Tampa Bay Rays saw something special in him and signed him as an international free agent on October 17, 2014. He didn’t get a massive signing bonus, but the Rays clearly believed in his upside.

Development as a Prospect

Bruján started his pro career in the Dominican Summer League after signing with Tampa Bay. He moved through the minor leagues, picking up new skills and showing off his flexibility.

Coaches focused on a few things with him:

• Speed: He consistently ranked among the fastest in the Rays’ system.
• Switch-hitting: He worked hard to get comfortable from both sides of the plate.
• Defensive versatility: He branched out from second base to other spots.

His minor league numbers looked promising, especially in stolen bases and getting on base. Rays coaches worked closely with him to sharpen his approach at the plate and keep his speed as a weapon.

By 2021, he’d done enough to get called up for his MLB debut on July 7—a huge milestone for him.

Professional Career and Milestones

Bruján’s pro baseball journey has had its share of big moments, from his debut in the majors to bouncing between teams. His speed and flexibility have really defined his career so far.

MLB Debut and Major League Hit

Bruján made his MLB debut on July 7, 2021, with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was one of the top prospects in their system, and finally got the call after years of grinding.

He didn’t waste time getting his first big league hit. Early on, he put his switch-hitting skills on display—the same ones that made him stand out in the minors. His speed was obvious right away, making him a real threat on the bases.

The young second baseman had to go through the usual rookie adjustments. Thankfully, his ability to play all over the field gave him more chances to get on the field.

Key Performances with the Rays

During his time with Tampa Bay, Bruján flashed the tools that made him a top prospect. He played second, short, and outfield, giving the team plenty of options.

His speed was always his calling card. Even when he was still working on his bat, he could change games just by getting on base and causing chaos.

The Rays are famous for their creative lineups and player development, and they used Bruján in a bunch of different roles. He got to play in some big games against division rivals like the Blue Jays and Orioles, which gave him valuable experience.

Trades and Team Changes

Things shifted for Bruján when the Cubs traded for him. That move gave him a fresh start with a new coaching staff and a different organizational vibe.

With the Cubs, Bruján kept showing off his defensive skills and worked to improve his hitting. His 2025 salary of $783,500 shows he’s still in that “player with upside” category.

General Manager Peter Bendix and the Cubs’ front office really like what he brings—speed, athleticism, flexibility. They’ve put him in a spot where he can compete for playing time at several positions, both infield and outfield.

Vidal Bruján’s Contract Details

Bruján’s financial story in pro baseball has had its twists, with a few contract changes as he’s bounced around. His contract history looks a lot like other international prospects making their way through MLB.

First Professional Contract

Bruján kicked things off with a pretty humble deal, signing with the Tampa Bay Rays for just $15,000 in October 2014. That turned out to be a steal for the Rays, considering how quickly he proved himself.

His first contract slotted him into the Rays’ minor league system, where he got to work on his game. Like most international signings, it came with standard minor league pay and kept him tied to the team during his early development.

The Rays’ front office saw his potential right away. His signing ended up being one of their better value moves from that time.

Contract Extensions and Salary Updates

Once Bruján worked his way through the minors and made his MLB debut on July 7, 2021, his contract jumped to the MLB minimum. That was a huge bump compared to what he’d been making.

He stayed under team control with the Rays through the usual pre-arbitration setup that applies to young players. This gave Tampa Bay plenty of financial wiggle room while Bruján tried to carve out a spot in the majors.

The Rays have a reputation for being careful with money, and they kept Bruján on a cost-controlled deal that fit their approach of developing young, affordable talent.

Recent Deals and Negotiations

Bruján’s contract situation changed again when the Marlins traded for him. After a short stint in Miami, he got designated for assignment, which left him waiting to see what would happen next.

Not long after, the Cubs picked him up in exchange for Matt Mervis on December 29, 2024. That move kicked off a new chapter in his career and contract story.

Now with Chicago, Bruján is working hard to prove he’s a valuable utility guy. GM Peter Bendix will keep an eye on his progress to decide what kind of contract he might get next.

Net Worth, Financials, and Lifestyle

Bruján’s finances have grown steadily since he turned pro, even if he’s not raking in superstar money. Most of his income comes from his baseball salary, with just a little extra from elsewhere.

Estimated Net Worth

Right now, Bruján’s net worth is about $853,614, according to sites that track player earnings. That number reflects what he’s made since his MLB debut in 2021.

His main source of income is his baseball salary, which has crept up over the years. He’s making $783,500 this year with the Cubs, up from $720,000 before.

As a newer MLB player from San Pedro de Macoris, he’s just starting to build up his wealth. It’s a pretty typical path for guys early in their careers who haven’t hit arbitration or free agency yet.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Bruján doesn’t have a big endorsement portfolio at this point. Unlike some stars with massive deals, the 27-year-old hasn’t landed any major national sponsorships.

Most of his deals have been local or related to equipment. Sometimes, bat or glove companies will give young players like Bruján modest deals to use their gear.

If he keeps getting more playing time with the Cubs, there’s a chance he could pick up some local Chicago endorsements or work with Dominican brands. Those would be nice, but probably not life-changing money.

Personal Investments

Bruján seems to play it safe with his investments so far. Most financial advisors tell young players to focus on saving before they dive into bigger investments.

Details about his portfolio aren’t public, but a lot of MLB players in his shoes look at things like:

• Buying property in their hometown or the city where they play
• Starting small stock portfolios with help from advisors
• Investing in local businesses

Given his background, Bruján might’ve invested in something back home in San Pedro de Macoris. A lot of Dominican players put money into baseball academies or community projects.

He doesn’t seem like the flashy type—no headlines about wild spending. For now, he’s focused on his career and keeping things pretty modest.

Notable Teammates, Influences, and Legacy

Throughout his baseball journey, Vidal Bruján has crossed paths with plenty of players and coaches who’ve helped shape his game. Moving through the Rays’ system and now with the Cubs, he’s had chances to learn from all kinds of talent and mentors.

Partnerships with Key Players

Bruján spent his time with the Tampa Bay Rays surrounded by some of the club’s most talented players. He grew alongside shortstop Wander Franco, who everyone talked about as one of baseball’s top prospects.

The two middle infielders often teamed up for defensive drills. They also pushed each other to improve their baserunning.

Pitcher Tyler Glasnow stood out as another teammate who left a mark on Bruján. Glasnow showed up every day with a professional mindset, and Bruján learned a lot just by watching how he prepared for games.

Bruján also spent time with outfielder Austin Meadows. Meadows’ lefty power swing couldn’t have been more different from Bruján’s speed-based game, but that contrast actually gave Bruján a new perspective.

He picked up a thing or two about offensive strategy and started to see how to play to his own strengths.

Influence of Management and Coaches

The Rays’ front office, led by folks like former general manager Peter Bendix, really shaped Bruján’s path. They valued versatility and defensive flexibility, which fit Bruján’s game almost perfectly.

Tampa Bay’s coaching staff kept pushing for positional flexibility. They encouraged Bruján to get comfortable at multiple spots on the field.

That kind of thinking became a big part of how he plays now.

After Bruján joined the Cubs, he faced a different management approach that tweaked his style even more. The Cubs wanted more balanced offense, so Bruján worked on adding power without giving up his speed.

The Cubs’ infield coaches spent a ton of time with him on defensive positioning and double-play turns. They focused on helping him build chemistry with teammates like Dansby Swanson.

Reputation Among Peers

Bruján’s peers really respect his work ethic and versatility. Guys like Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen have actually praised how much ground he covers on defense and how he somehow makes tough plays look routine.

He’s built a reputation as a team-first player, and that’s made him a valuable presence in the clubhouse. Bruján doesn’t hesitate to play wherever the team needs him, and he moves around the lineup without complaint—clearly, he just wants the team to win.

When Jeffrey Springs had to deal with Tommy John surgery, Bruján stepped up and supported him through rehab. That says a lot about who he is, not just as a player, but as a person.

Veterans like Cubs teammate Nico Hoerner have pointed out how fast Bruján reacts and how quickly he adjusts to whatever the game throws at him. His contract worth $783,500 with the Cubs shows that major league teams are starting to notice his value.