Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Smoltz’s Net Worth?
John Smoltz, a celebrated former professional baseball pitcher, has amassed a significant net worth estimated at $50 million. This substantial wealth reflects his successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanning from 1988 to 2009, primarily with the Atlanta Braves.
John Smoltz’s Baseball Career Earnings and Accolades
During his illustrious baseball career, John Smoltz earned a total salary of $135 million. His peak earning year was 2007, where he commanded a salary of $14 million. Along with fellow starting pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, Smoltz was instrumental in transforming the Atlanta Braves into a dominant force in the 1990s. This era was highlighted by their World Series championship victory in 1995. John Smoltz’s impressive career is further underscored by numerous accolades, including a Cy Young Award, a Silver Slugger Award, and a Roberto Clemente Award.
Smoltz began his professional journey after being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 1985 amateur draft. Rather than attend Michigan State University, where he had committed to play baseball, he opted to sign a professional contract. He started in the minor leagues, playing for the Class A Lakeland Tigers and the Class AA Glens Falls Tigers.
His MLB debut came in July 1988 with the Atlanta Braves. The 1989 season marked his breakout, where he achieved a 12-11 record with a 2.94 ERA in 29 starts. Smoltz’s consistent improvement played a pivotal role in the Braves winning a close NL West race in 1991. In the postseason, his leadership helped the Braves secure their first World Series appearance since 1966, although they were ultimately defeated by the Minnesota Twins in seven games.
The 1992 season was particularly stellar for Smoltz, winning 15 regular-season games, leading the NL in strikeouts, and earning MVP honors in the NLCS. Despite another World Series appearance, the Braves lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in six games. In the strike-shortened 1994 season, Smoltz recorded a 6-10 record. The following year, he went 12-7, contributing to the Braves’ return to the World Series for the third time in five years. The Braves’ 1995 World Series victory over the Cleveland Indians was significantly influenced by the pitching prowess of Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. In 1996, Smoltz had an exceptional season, going 24-8 with a 2.94 ERA and leading the majors in both wins and strikeouts, earning him the NL Cy Young Award. The Braves reached the World Series again but were defeated by the New York Yankees. In 1997, Smoltz won a Silver Slugger Award for his batting.
Between 1998 and 1999, injuries led to missed starts. Before the 2000 season, he underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire year. Moving to the bullpen in 2001, he became the Braves’ closer. In 2002, his first full season as a closer, Smoltz set a new NL record with 55 saves and won the Rolaids Relief Man Award. Despite injuries in 2003, he recorded 45 saves with a 1.12 ERA. In 2004, Smoltz broke Gene Garber’s franchise record of 141 career saves.
Smoltz returned to the Braves’ starting rotation in 2005, finishing with a 14-7 record and a 3.06 ERA, as the Braves reached the NLDS. He was also awarded the Roberto Clemente Award for the 2005 season. In 2006, Smoltz went 16-9 with a 3.49 ERA, tying for the most wins in the NL. In 2007, he signed a contract extension with the Braves. That season, he faced his former Braves teammates Maddux and Glavine and set the Braves strikeout record with his 2,913th career strikeout, finishing with a 14-8 record and a 3.11 ERA. In 2008, he reached 3,000 career strikeouts, becoming the 16th MLB pitcher to achieve this milestone. Later that year, he was placed on the disabled list with an inflamed right shoulder and underwent shoulder surgery, ending his tenure with the Braves.
In early 2009, Smoltz signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. After a poor start to the season, he was designated for assignment and later released by the team. Following this, Smoltz signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. In his first game, he set a franchise record by striking out seven consecutive batters. He finished the season with a 1-3 record and a 4.26 ERA. The Cardinals were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
John Smoltz’s Real Estate and Post-Baseball Activities
In 2002, John Smoltz completed construction on an expansive 18,000-square-foot mansion situated on 19 acres in Milton, Georgia. This property, reflecting a significant investment, was initially listed for sale in October 2019 at $5.2 million. Eventually, in August 2020, John Smoltz accepted an offer of $4.6 million for the estate, marking a notable transaction in his real estate portfolio.
Beyond his baseball career, Smoltz transitioned into sportscasting, initially serving as a color analyst for Braves games on Peachtree TV in 2008 and 2010. He later joined Fox Sports as an analyst in 2014. Smoltz also contributed analysis and color commentary for the MLB Network. However, his in-studio work with the MLB Network ended due to his decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
John Smoltz’s personal life includes his first marriage to Dyan Struble in 1991, which produced four children before ending in divorce in 2007. In 2009, he married Kathryn Darden, and they currently reside in Alpharetta, Georgia. A passionate golfer, Smoltz maintains a close friendship with golf icon Tiger Woods. He participates annually in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament held at Edgewood Tahoe Resort. In addition to golf, Smoltz enjoys bowling and playing the accordion.
While specific details regarding Smoltz’s investments, endorsement deals, or other business ventures aren’t available in the provided information, his $50 million net worth is a result of his lucrative baseball career, strategic real estate investments, and subsequent broadcasting roles. His total salary during his baseball career amounted to $135 million. Further insights into specific investments, endorsements, or business ventures would require additional data not included in this excerpt.
