Brian Matusz’s $10 Million Net Worth: A Deep Dive Into His Baseball Career Earnings and Investments

Brian Matusz, a left-handed former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 37. The tragic news has left the baseball community in mourning. Known for his impressive pitching skills and dedication to the sport, Matusz had an illustrious career in MLB before retiring in 2020. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at approximately $10 million.

Early Life and Passion for Baseball

Born in February 1987 in Grand Junction, Colorado, Brian Matusz grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona. He inherited an athletic spirit from his father, Michael, who was a track and field athlete at Purdue University. Brian also had a brother, Chris, who played collegiate baseball for Iowa Wesleyan University. His upbringing fostered a love for sports, and he displayed remarkable talent in baseball from an early age.

Matusz attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, where he quickly became a standout athlete. During his junior year, he recorded an impressive 8-2 record with a 0.95 ERA, earning first-team All-State honors. In his senior year, he elevated his performance with an 8-1 record and an astonishing 0.50 ERA, earning him the title of Arizona’s Player of the Year. Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2005 MLB Draft, Matusz chose to pursue higher education at the University of San Diego.

Collegiate Success and MLB Draft

While at the University of San Diego, Matusz showcased his exceptional talent as a pitcher. He became the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and gained recognition as one of the nation’s top collegiate players. His outstanding collegiate career led to his selection in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. In August 2008, he signed with the Orioles, beginning his journey toward professional baseball.

MLB Career Highlights

Matusz’s MLB journey officially began in 2009, when he was invited to spring training with the Orioles. He quickly rose through the ranks, joining the Double-A Bowie Baysox as a starting pitcher. That season, he struck out 10 batters in a single game, earning recognition as Baseball America’s 9th-best overall prospect.

In August 2009, Matusz made his MLB debut against the Detroit Tigers. He impressed with five strikeouts and allowed just six hits with one earned run. His rookie year performance earned him a spot on Baseball America’s All-Rookie Team as a starting pitcher.

Despite his promising start, Matusz faced challenges, including injuries that kept him sidelined for part of the 2011 season. He worked diligently to regain his form, posting notable starts in his comeback. However, inconsistency and struggles with speed led to brief stints in Triple-A. He continued to contribute to the Orioles, playing key roles during his tenure with the team.

In 2016, Matusz joined the Chicago Cubs on a minor league contract. However, his stint with the Cubs was short-lived. He played only one game for the Cubs during the 2016 World Series season before being designated for assignment. After electing free agency in 2017, he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for a minor league contract and later played in the Mexican League and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball before retiring in 2020.

Personal Life and Legacy

Brian Matusz was known for keeping his personal life private. He never married and had no children. His focus remained on his baseball career, and he was described as a dedicated and approachable teammate. The Baltimore Orioles fondly remembered him as a cherished member of their team and community.

Throughout his career, Matusz avoided controversy, except for a single incident in May 2015 when he was suspended for using a foreign substance on his arm. The eight-game suspension brought brief scrutiny, but Matusz handled the situation professionally and returned to the field.

Net Worth and Financial Achievements

At the time of his passing, Matusz had an estimated net worth of $10 million. His earnings came primarily from his MLB contracts and bonuses. In 2009, he signed a four-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles worth $3.47 million, including a $3.2 million signing bonus. His career earnings from MLB totaled $20.3 million, with notable annual salaries such as $3.9 million in 2016 during his final MLB season.

Matusz invested in real estate, purchasing a luxurious property in Paradise Valley, Arizona, in 2010 for $1.5 million. After retiring, he sold the house for $2.2 million, reflecting his prudent financial management.

Sudden Passing and Tributes

Brian Matusz passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2025. The cause of his death remains unknown, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances. The news of his passing shocked the baseball community, with former teammates, fans, and organizations expressing their grief and condolences.

The Baltimore Orioles released a heartfelt statement describing Matusz as a beloved teammate and a significant part of the Orioles family. “Brian was a cherished member of Birdland, and his contributions to our team will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Conclusion

Brian Matusz’s untimely passing is a profound loss for the baseball community. His journey from a promising high school player to an accomplished MLB pitcher serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Despite challenges and setbacks, Matusz’s dedication to his craft and his positive impact on teammates and fans leave a lasting legacy. As investigations into his death continue, his memory will be honored by the countless lives he touched during his remarkable career.