Key Takeaways
- From his initial $3.47 million rookie contract with the Orioles to his peak salary of $3.9 million in 2016, Matusz steadily increased his earnings through arbitration deals and solid performance.
- His successful shift from starter to reliever in 2012 helped maintain his value in MLB, with consistently good performances (ERA of 3.53 or lower) from 2013-2015.
- While building an estimated net worth of $10-12 million through his baseball career, Matusz showed versatility by playing across different leagues (MLB, Mexican League, Atlantic League) and earned a World Series ring with the Cubs in 2016, despite only appearing in one game that season.
Brian Matusz, who recently passed away at age 37, built his net worth primarily through his Major League Baseball career.
Let’s dive into the financial journey of this talented left-handed pitcher who graced the baseball diamond from 2009 to 2016.
Matusz’s financial foundation began with a lucrative rookie contract.
The Baltimore Orioles signed him to a four-year deal worth $3.47 million, which included a substantial $3.2 million signing bonus.
This initial contract set him up for a promising financial future in baseball.
His earning potential grew significantly during his arbitration years with the Orioles.
Matusz earned $1.6 million in 2013, followed by a jump to $2.4 million in 2014.
His salary continued to climb, reaching $3.2 million in 2015 and peaking at $3.9 million in 2016.
In his final MLB season, Matusz signed with the Chicago Cubs for $507,500.
Though brief, this stint added to his career earnings and earned him a World Series ring.
He later played in Mexico and the Atlantic League, though likely at more modest salaries.
Based on his known MLB contracts and career trajectory, Brian Matusz’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was approximately $10-12 million.
This figure accounts for his career earnings of about $15 million in MLB salary, minus taxes and living expenses, plus potential investments and endorsements.
While Matusz accumulated significant wealth through baseball, his teammates and fans remember him more for his infectious smile and dedication to connecting with the baseball community.
His transition from starting pitcher to reliable reliever showed his adaptability, both on the field and in managing his professional value.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he graduated in 2005 before pursuing his baseball career at the University of San Diego.
- During his time at San Diego Toreros, he was part of a powerful pitching rotation alongside Josh Romanski and Matt Couch and became a finalist for the prestigious Roger Clemens Award in 2008.
- In his first Major League game on August 4, 2009, he showed immediate promise by striking out five Detroit Tigers players and allowing only six hits and one earned run in five innings.
