How much is Jake Westbrook Net Worth in 2025?

Jake Westbrook is a former professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 29, 1977, in Athens, Georgia, Westbrook was known for his strong sinkerball and consistency as a starting pitcher. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round of the 1996 MLB Draft but made his MLB debut in 2000 with the New York Yankees.

Westbrook is best remembered for his time with the Cleveland Indians (2001–2010) and the St. Louis Cardinals (2010–2013). He was an All-Star in 2004 and played a crucial role in helping the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, pitching effectively during the postseason.

Throughout his career, Westbrook was admired for his groundball-inducing style and durability. He retired with a career record of 105–103 and an ERA of 4.32. Since retiring, he has focused on family life and charitable work.

Name: Jake Westbrook
Born: September 29, 1977, Athens, Georgia, USA
Profession: Former MLB Pitcher
MLB Debut: June 17, 2000 (New York Yankees)
Teams Played For: Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Montreal Expos
Career Highlights:

• MLB All-Star (2004)
• 2011 World Series Champion (St. Louis Cardinals)
• Career Record: 105-103, 4.32 ERA
• Known for: Exceptional sinker, ground ball specialist, and double-play inducer

Personal Life: Married to Heather Westbrook; father of three; resides in Georgia. Engaged in philanthropy and community work post-retirement.

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Jake Westbrook Net Worth

Jake Westbrook is a retired American professional baseball player, recognized for his steady and effective career as a pitcher. With a net worth of $25 million, Westbrook spent 13 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2000 to 2013, carving out a reputation as a reliable ground ball specialist. The right-handed starter compiled a career record of 105 wins and 103 losses, accompanied by a 4.32 ERA over 1,747.2 innings pitched.

Westbrook was best known for his time with the Cleveland Indians, where he became a mainstay in the middle of the rotation. His heavy sinkerball was his trademark, allowing him to excel at inducing double plays. In 2004, he earned a spot on the American League All-Star team and posted three consecutive seasons with at least 14 wins from 2004 to 2006.

Later in his career, Westbrook joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010, where he contributed to their success in winning the 2011 World Series. While he was never considered a dominant ace, his consistency and durability, when healthy, made him a valuable asset. However, injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2008, interrupted his career and sidelined him for extended periods.

Across 267 career starts, Westbrook completed 14 games and earned nearly $70 million in salary. His legacy is one of professionalism, hard work, and resilience, making him a respected figure in the baseball community even after retirement.

Contracts & Career Earnings

 

Jake Westbrook earned nearly $70 million over his 13-year MLB career, thanks to a series of lucrative contracts. Below is a breakdown of his notable contracts and career earnings:

Key Contracts:

1. 2001-2005 (Early Career):
   • During his initial seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Westbrook earned modest salaries typical for younger players under team control. His earnings gradually increased as he established himself as a consistent starter.
2. 2005-2007 (First Extension):
   • Westbrook signed a 2-year contract extension with the Cleveland Indians worth $14.75 million, paying him an average annual salary of approximately $7.375 million during this period.
3. 2007-2010 (Major Extension):
   • In April 2007, Westbrook signed a 3-year, $33 million extension with the Indians. This deal solidified his position as one of the team’s core players, earning him an average of $11 million per year. However, his 2008 season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery.
4. 2011-2013 (St. Louis Cardinals):
   • After being traded to the Cardinals in 2010, Westbrook agreed to a 2-year, $16.5 million extension in 2011. The contract included a $9.5 million team option for 2013, which the Cardinals exercised, ensuring Westbrook remained with the team for an additional year.

Career Earnings Breakdown:

• Cleveland Indians: Approximately $47 million during his tenure (2001–2010).
• St. Louis Cardinals: Approximately $23 million from 2010 to 2013.

Total Career Earnings:

• $70 million (including base salaries, performance bonuses, and incentives).

Jake Westbrook’s earnings reflect his reputation as a dependable starting pitcher, and his contracts rewarded his ability to deliver consistent performances when healthy.

Rise with Cleveland

Jake Westbrook was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the first round (21st overall) of the 1996 MLB Draft, beginning a journey that saw him traded twice before making his Major League debut. In 1997, he was sent to the Montreal Expos in exchange for pitcher Mike Lansing. A year later, he was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a package for Hideki Irabu.

Westbrook’s turning point came in 2000, when the Yankees traded him to the Cleveland Indians in a deal that brought slugger David Justice to New York. It was in Cleveland where Westbrook found stability and began to thrive. By 2003, he had established himself as a dependable starter, showcasing his trademark sinkerball that induced groundouts and double plays.

His breakout season arrived in 2004, when he posted an impressive 14-9 record with a 3.38 ERA over 215.2 innings. This stellar performance earned him his first and only All-Star selection, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Indians’ pitching staff. This season marked the beginning of Westbrook’s reputation as a reliable middle-rotation pitcher capable of delivering consistent results.

Pitching Style and Peak Years

Jake Westbrook’s success was built on the strength of his exceptional sinker, which consistently produced ground ball rates exceeding 60%. While not a high-strikeout pitcher, Westbrook excelled at limiting hard contact and preventing home runs, allowing just 0.7 home runs per nine innings during his peak years from 2003 to 2007. His ability to induce double plays was a defining aspect of his game, frequently ranking him among the league leaders in this category. This skill set made him a highly effective and dependable starter, particularly during situations requiring damage control.

Injuries and Later Career

After solidifying his role as Cleveland’s most dependable starter, Jake Westbrook’s career hit a setback with Tommy John surgery in 2008, sidelining him for an extended period. He made his return in 2010, but mid-season, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In St. Louis, Westbrook played a supporting role in the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series championship run, although he faced challenges during his postseason appearances. He continued to provide consistent, if unspectacular, performances for the Cardinals, remaining with the team until 2013. After a steady career spanning over a decade, Westbrook retired, leaving a legacy of resilience and reliability.

Personal Life

Jake Westbrook has maintained a relatively private personal life since retiring from Major League Baseball. He is married to Heather Westbrook, and they have three children together. The family resides in Georgia, where Westbrook focuses on spending time with his loved ones and engaging in community and charitable activities.

Known for his grounded and humble personality, Westbrook has supported various philanthropic efforts, including those aimed at helping underprivileged youth. He has also remained connected to baseball, occasionally participating in alumni events and sharing his experiences with aspiring players. Westbrook’s post-baseball life reflects his values of family, faith, and giving back to the community.

Conclusion

Jake Westbrook’s career is a testament to consistency, resilience, and effectiveness in the role of a ground ball specialist. While not a flashy pitcher, his ability to induce double plays and limit hard contact made him a valuable asset to his teams, particularly during his peak years with the Cleveland Indians and his contribution to the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 World Series victory.

After retiring, Westbrook transitioned seamlessly into a fulfilling personal life, prioritizing family, community engagement, and charitable efforts. His journey serves as an example of professionalism both on and off the field, leaving a lasting impression as a reliable and respected figure in baseball.