One of the great things about sports is the success stories. A career like the one belonging to Michael Wacha is something that doesn’t happen often. He has become the pride of Texarkana, making him one of the most unique stories in the league.
Fans can follow the MLB and make predictions on Michael Wacha and MLB teams by checking odds on the BetMGM app. In the space below, we’ll learn more about Michael Wacha career stats, his net worth, and any Michael Wacha projections for the years to come.
Early life. Though he was born in Iowa City, IA, Michael Wacha would grow up in Texarkana, TX. He was spotted pitching in an American Legion game and would go on to star at Pleasant Grove High School.
Wacha’s talents would take him to Texas A&M University, where he played baseball for the Aggies for three years. At 6’5”, he had a solid showing as a freshman. Michael Wacha projections really began taking off after a strong sophomore year. He made the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, as well as Third Team All-American and All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
MLB Career. Wacha was taken 19th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He quickly entered the minor league system, ultimately debuting in May 2013. Michael Wacha career stats were just beginning as was his playoff experience. He started his first playoff game in Game 4 of the 2013 NL Division Series, putting in 7 1/3 innings. He gave up just one hit, showing what was to come.
Wacha is on the verge of getting his 100th win in the majors, sporting a 99-60 record. His 3.90 ERA and .253 opposing batting average show how strong of a pitcher he continues to be. Wacha bounced around starting in 2020, landing in four different spots in four years.
In the offseason, Wacha inked a two-year pact with the Kansas City Royals, taking him through the 2025 season. The 33-year-old pitcher continues to do well, sporting an 11-6 record with a 3.32 ERA.
Career earnings. Like any other athlete, “Michael Wacha net worth” is a popular search featuring his name. Regarding Michael Wacha’s net worth, the 33-year-old has made more than $53 million in his major league career. He is currently in the first year of a two-year, $32 million deal with the Kansas City Royals and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Hometown pride. Texas is a large place, but Michael Wacha comes from one of the smallest cities in the state. Texarkana has just 36,000 residents as recently as a 2020 census. Wacha is the latest in a long line of singers, athletes, and even magicians.
Ryan Mallett, Willie Buchananon, and LaMichael James are just a few of the NFL players from the small town. Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews is from Texarkana as well. Wacha’s success story just adds to the lore that this small city has managed to build.
–-In collaboration with Bazoom