Jacob Waguespack – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jacob Waguespack has quietly carved out a place for himself as a steady arm in the Tampa Bay Rays’ pitching staff. Born November 5, 1993, in Prairieville, Louisiana, this right-handed pitcher has taken a winding road through pro baseball since the Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the 37th round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Waguespack just locked in a one-year contract extension with the Rays worth $1.3 million for the 2025 season. The Rays finalized the deal on November 4, 2024, showing they believe in his talent—even though he’s recently been pitching for Triple-A Durham.

He’s bounced around a few organizations before landing with Tampa Bay. There’s not a ton of public info on Waguespack’s net worth right now, but his career earnings keep climbing thanks to this latest contract. Over his career, he’s racked up 90 strikeouts, proving he can get big-league hitters out.

Jacob Waguespack Early Life and Background

Jacob Daniel Waguespack started out in Prairieville, Louisiana, born November 5, 1993. Those early years in the South definitely shaped the pitcher he became.

Family and Education

Growing up in Prairieville, a small spot in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, Waguespack got steeped in southern sports culture from the jump. He’s kept details about his family pretty private, but it’s clear his Louisiana upbringing played a big role in his athletic development.

He went to Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana, where he started standing out as a baseball prospect. At 6’6″, he had a natural edge on the mound.

For college, he picked the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He kept working on his pitching there and got his education, too. That time at Ole Miss really helped him fine-tune his skills for the next level.

Path to Professional Baseball

Waguespack’s path to pro baseball started when the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in the 37th round in 2012. He decided not to sign, choosing instead to develop more at college.

After Ole Miss, he went undrafted, but the Philadelphia Phillies signed him as a free agent in 2015. That was the real start of his pro career, though it wasn’t exactly a straight shot.

He put in a lot of work in the minors, sharpening his pitching and command. That determination helped him push through the farm system and chase his shot at the majors.

Things changed in 2018 when the Toronto Blue Jays traded for him as part of a deal for Aaron Loup. That trade led to his MLB debut with the Blue Jays, where he started building up his professional ERA numbers.

Professional Baseball Career

Jacob Waguespack has built a solid career in pro baseball, moving from the minors up to the majors and showing what he can do as a right-handed pitcher. He’s spent time with a few teams and had some memorable outings.

Debut and Major League Teams

Waguespack’s pro journey began when the Pirates drafted him in the 37th round in 2012, but he passed on that to attend Ole Miss. His real start came with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent.

He made his major league debut in 2019 with the Toronto Blue Jays after they traded for him. With Toronto, he showed he could handle both starting and relieving duties.

After Toronto, Waguespack moved into the Rays organization. He joined the Rays’ 40-man roster and has split time between the big club and Triple-A Durham.

Notable Performances and Achievements

During his rookie season with the Blue Jays, Waguespack turned in several quality starts. He managed to keep his cool on the mound and mixed his pitches well, earning regular looks in the rotation.

One of his best moments came when he picked up his first big league win against the Boston Red Sox. That game showed he could go toe-to-toe with a tough lineup.

Waguespack’s whole career is pretty much a lesson in perseverance. He wasn’t a high draft pick, but he fought his way through the minors and made it to the majors. That says a lot about his work ethic.

In November 2024, he signed a one-year extension with the Rays for $1.3 million for 2025, which really underlines how much the team values him.

Involvement With International Leagues

In the MLB offseason, Waguespack has played winter ball in international leagues. Those experiences have helped him keep his edge and try out new pitches.

Playing abroad exposed him to different styles and strategies. Facing hitters from other countries gave him a broader perspective.

Coaches in those leagues have praised his professionalism and willingness to learn. They’ve noticed how he adapts and puts in the work.

That international experience has made him a better pitcher and given him a chance to represent American baseball overseas.

Jacob Waguespack Contract Details

Jacob Waguespack has gone through several contract changes during his career. Moving from undrafted free agent to multi-million dollar deals shows how MLB players can progress financially as they prove themselves.

Initial MLB Contract

Waguespack started his pro career with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent. As you’d expect, his first minor league contract was pretty modest compared to what drafted guys get.

When the Blue Jays traded for him in 2018, he stayed on minor league terms. His MLB debut in 2019 with Toronto was a real turning point, since players on the 40-man roster make a lot more.

With Toronto in 2019 and 2020, he likely made close to the MLB minimum—somewhere between $550,000 and $570,000 per season. That was his foundation for future contracts.

Recent Contract Agreements

Waguespack’s career has taken a few twists before he landed with the Tampa Bay Rays. He rebuilt his value after bouncing around and even playing overseas.

On November 4, 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Rays for 2025. The deal is worth $1.3 million—his biggest payday so far.

There’s also a team option for 2026 at $1.5 million. That gives the Rays some flexibility and offers Waguespack a shot at more stability.

Financial Terms and Negotiations

The $1.3 million deal with the Rays is a strategic move for both sides. Waguespack finally gets some guaranteed money after years of uncertainty.

Here’s what’s in the agreement:

• Base salary: $1.3 million for 2025
• Team option: $1.5 million for 2026
• No signing bonus this time around

The Rays usually go for fair, affordable contracts instead of chasing big-name free agents. That’s how they stay competitive in a smaller market.

Waguespack’s contract is a big jump from what he made early on. Even though his net worth isn’t public, this is his highest annual salary yet. It’s a nice reward for his persistence and the Rays’ trust in his abilities.

Jacob Waguespack Net Worth and Financial Impact

Waguespack’s financial path in pro baseball really mirrors his journey from minor leaguer to established MLB reliever. His earnings show what life’s like for mid-tier bullpen arms in today’s game.

Earnings Over the Years

Waguespack’s recent $1.3 million deal with the Rays for 2025 is a big step up for him. He signed that extension on November 4, 2024, and it’s the largest guaranteed salary he’s ever had.

Before this, he made a lot less with the Blue Jays and during his early days with Tampa Bay. Like most guys, he started out on minor league pay, which is usually $12,000-$16,000 at the lower levels and about $40,000 in Triple-A.

His financial climb is pretty typical for relievers who weren’t high draft picks or top prospects. He had to prove himself year after year before landing a seven-figure contract.

Endorsements and Other Income

Waguespack isn’t exactly a household name, so you won’t see him in a lot of big commercials. He’s kept a low profile off the field.

Most of his extra income probably comes from things like:

• Team appearance fees
• Baseball camps and clinics
• Local endorsements around Tampa Bay
• Signing autographs at memorabilia events

Unlike the stars who get national deals, relievers like Waguespack usually stick to local partnerships. It’s extra money, but nothing life-changing.

He keeps his social media focused on baseball, not brands, so endorsements don’t seem to be a big part of his income.

Long-Term Financial Outlook

With his current salary, Waguespack’s financial future depends on how long he can stick in the majors. Relievers who stay consistent can pitch into their mid-30s or later, so there’s still earning potential ahead.

If he keeps performing, he might:

• Land a multi-year deal for more stability
• Push his annual salary up to $2-3 million
• Build up retirement savings through MLB’s pension plan

The MLB pension is a real safety net. After 10 years of service, players get about $68,000 a year starting at age 45.

Waguespack also makes an impact in the Tampa Bay community. Pro athletes often help drive local development through charity work and other initiatives.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Away from the mound, Jacob Waguespack keeps things pretty balanced. He’s got a few interests and stays involved with the community.

Community and Charity Involvement

Waguespack has made a point to give back over the years. When he was with the Blue Jays, he joined in their outreach efforts—visiting hospitals and helping out at youth baseball clinics.

Since signing his one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Rays, he’s gotten involved in Tampa Bay’s community programs. He’s shown up at charity events that support youth baseball in underserved areas.

He also gives back to Louisiana, pitching in with hurricane relief and hosting baseball camps for kids. Waguespack likes sharing his knowledge and stories about sticking with it, both on and off the field.

Interests Outside Baseball

When he’s not on the field, Waguespack dives into a handful of personal interests.

The 31-year-old pitcher has a bit of a reputation among his teammates as the guy who’s always talking about stars and planets. He loves stargazing, especially when road trips take him to places where the night sky actually looks dark.

His fascination with space exploration really took off back in his childhood in Louisiana. He’d sit in front of the TV and watch NASA launches, totally mesmerized.

Now, he’s turned that curiosity into a full-blown hobby. Waguespack even owns a professional-grade telescope—he doesn’t mess around.

He’s always got a science fiction novel or a book about space tucked under his arm. Some teammates have spotted him reading up on NASA’s history or the latest in space tech while hanging out in the clubhouse.

When the season winds down, Waguespack heads back to Louisiana. He spends a lot of his off-season fishing and just enjoying the outdoors.