Overview

Carlos Alberto Zambrano Matos, nicknamed “Big Z” or “El Toro”, is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher [5]. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2001 to 2012 for the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins [5]. Zambrano was signed by the Cubs as a free agent in 1997 and made his debut in 2001 [1, 5]. He became a regular starter with the Cubs in 2003, compiling a 13–11 record [1, 5]. Zambrano is known as one of the best hitting pitchers of recent times, with a career .238 batting average with 24 home runs [5]. Zambrano was the only National League pitcher to win at least 13 games in each year from 2003 to 2008 [5]. In 2006, he became the first player from Venezuela to lead the National League in wins [5]. Zambrano recorded his first career no-hitter against the Houston Astros on September 14, 2008 [1].

What Is Carlos Zambrano Net Worth?

Carlos Zambrano, nicknamed “Big Z” and “El Toro,” is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher with an estimated net worth of $60 million as of 2024 [1, 6]. His wealth primarily stems from his lucrative MLB contracts and endorsement deals throughout his career [1]. Zambrano’s on-field performance and marketability contributed significantly to his financial success [4].

Career Earnings and Contract Details

Throughout his MLB career, Carlos Zambrano earned approximately $115.15 million [2, 3]. A significant portion of his earnings came from his contracts with the Chicago Cubs, where he played from 2001 to 2011 [6]. In 2007, he signed a substantial contract extension with the Cubs for $91.5 million [1]. In 2012, the Miami Marlins acquired him, assuming only 14% of his $18 million salary for that year; the Cubs covered the rest [7]. In January 2012, as part of a settlement regarding disqualification without pay, Zambrano forfeited six days’ worth of salary, amounting to $589,286, instead of the initially proposed 30 days which would have been $2,946,429 [15]. The Marlins paid $2.55 million of his 2012 salary, with the Cubs covering the balance, and Miami also agreed to a $0.1 million award bonus for the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year [15]. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings in select years [3]:

  • 2002: $200,000 (Chicago Cubs)
  • 2004: $450,000 (Chicago Cubs)
  • 2006: $6.5 million (Chicago Cubs)
  • 2008: $16 million (Chicago Cubs)
  • 2010: $18.9 million (Chicago Cubs)
  • 2012: $2.6 million (Miami Marlins)

In 2013, he also signed a 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies [2]. In 2012, his contract with the Chicago Cubs was worth $16.45 million, including a base salary of $15.45 million and a signing bonus of $1 million [6].

Assets and Investments

Carlos Zambrano has diversified his wealth through various investments and assets [1, 4]. He owns a luxurious home in Florida, featuring a private pool and modern amenities [1]. His car collection includes high-end vehicles such as a Lamborghini Aventador and a Range Rover [1]. Zambrano has also invested in business ventures, including a baseball academy in Venezuela [1]. In the past, he owned real estate in the Chicago area, including a five-bedroom mansion in west Lakeview that he sold for $2,160,000 in 2014 and a six-bedroom house in River Forest that he sold for $671,000 in 2013 [6].

Career Highlights and Achievements

Carlos Zambrano’s MLB career was marked by several significant achievements [1]. He was a three-time All-Star, selected in 2004, 2006, and 2008 [1, 6]. Zambrano also earned three Silver Slugger Awards in 2006, 2008, and 2009, recognizing his exceptional hitting ability as a pitcher [1, 6]. On September 14, 2008, he pitched a no-hitter against the Houston Astros, becoming the first Cubs pitcher to achieve this feat in 36 years [1]. Zambrano also represented Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic [1]. He maintained a career record of 132 wins, 91 losses, and a 3.66 ERA, with 1,637 strikeouts over 1959 innings pitched [3, 11]. Known for his hitting prowess, Zambrano had a .238 batting average, 24 home runs, and 71 RBIs [3]. From 2003 to 2008, he was the only MLB pitcher to win at least 13 games each year [6].

Crown

Net Worth Ranker Premium

Unlock the insider news of celeb

Join exclusive events

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved