Net Worth Ranker
What Is Manny Ramirez’s Net Worth?
Manny Ramirez, a retired professional baseball icon originally from the Dominican Republic, has amassed a considerable net worth of $90 million. This fortune is primarily attributable to his illustrious 19-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), marked by impressive contracts and endorsements.
Manny Ramirez: Baseball Career and Earnings
Ramirez’s journey to becoming a baseball legend began with the Cleveland Indians, where he was selected in the first round of the 1991 MLB draft. This initial step came with a $250,000 signing bonus, setting the stage for his rise through the minor leagues. He made his major league debut in 1993. He quickly established himself as a formidable presence at the plate, known for his power and ability to hit for average. By 1994, he had established a batting average of .300. He truly rose to prominence in 1995, when he hit 31 home runs and was selected for his first All-Star game.
His career truly took off with the Cleveland Indians, where he showcased his exceptional hitting abilities. Recognizing his value, the Indians offered him a four-year contract extension worth $10.15 million in 1995. This was followed by a more substantial offer in 2000: a seven-year, $119 million contract, which his agent ultimately rejected. These figures underscore the growing recognition of Ramirez’s talent and potential as a top player in the league.
Manny’s time with the Boston Red Sox marked a pinnacle in his career, both in terms of team success and personal earnings. In 2000, he signed a lucrative $160 million contract with the Red Sox. The agreement included $20 million options for both 2009 and 2010, highlighting his sustained value to the team. During his tenure with the Red Sox (2001-2008) he helped them win two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of his era.
Beyond the Red Sox, Ramirez also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox before his MLB career was cut short. While specific contract details for these teams aren’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume he continued to command a high salary commensurate with his reputation. In 2011, he signed a $2 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, although his time with them was brief due to his suspension.
Over the course of his MLB career, Manny Ramirez accumulated a little over $200 million in salary alone. At the peak of his career, Ramirez earned over $20.5 million per year. This figure doesn’t include potential earnings from endorsements and other revenue streams.
Following his departure from MLB, Ramirez continued to pursue baseball opportunities in various leagues, including the Dominican Professional Baseball League, the Shikoku Island League Plus in Japan, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In 2020, he signed a deal with the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League, primarily as a coach. While the financial terms of these contracts are not widely publicized, they likely contributed to his overall net worth.
Early Life and Background
Manuel Arístides Ramírez Onelcida, who is better known as Manny Ramirez, was born on May 30, 1972, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He spent the first 13 years of his life immersed in the culture and passion for baseball prevalent in the Dominican Republic. From a young age, his dedication to the sport was evident, receiving a Dodgers uniform at the age of eight. This early exposure and passion for baseball laid the foundation for his future career.
At the age of 13, Ramirez and his family relocated to Washington Heights, New York City. Despite living in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, he developed a fondness for the Toronto Blue Jays, influenced by the presence of Dominican stars like George Bell and Tony Fernandez on their roster. He attended Yankees games whenever the Blue Jays were in town. While Ramirez attended high school, he left at the age of 19 without graduating. During his high school years, Ramirez played on an all-Dominican baseball team that won three straight division championships. He achieved a batting average of .650 and hit 14 home runs in 22 games, showcasing his raw talent and potential.
Controversies and Retirement
Manny Ramirez’s career wasn’t without its challenges. In 2011, his career faced a major setback when he abruptly retired from MLB shortly after signing with the Tampa Bay Rays. Reports emerged that he had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Spring training. The initial sample was retested, and the result was the same. Ramirez then filed an appeal, and a second sample was tested which also came back positive. This prompted Manny to drop the appeal and tell the MLB that he would retire. The MLB then issued a statement informing the public that Manny had chosen to retire instead of moving forward with the appeal process. If he had not retired, he would have faced a 100-game suspension, which would have remained in place even if he had chosen to return to the MLB in the future.
In an attempt to continue playing, Ramirez sought to join the Cibao Eagles in the Dominican Winter League; however, this league’s affiliation with MLB meant he was still subject to his 100-game ban. Eventually, a compromise was reached, allowing him to serve a reduced 50-game suspension. While these events didn’t directly impact his career earnings, they undoubtedly affected his reputation and potential future opportunities in MLB.
Real Estate Assets
In 2011, it was reported that Ramirez sold his penthouse in Boston for $5.5 million. He had been trying to offload the property since 2009 when he listed it for $8.5 million. After $3 million in price cuts, he finally found a buyer. The specific address and details of the penthouse haven’t been officially released, the sale indicates significant real estate holdings that contribute to his overall net worth.
