Darryl Strawberry is a retired American professional baseball player with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Once one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying stars, Strawberry’s financial story mirrors his career: extraordinary highs, painful setbacks, and a powerful comeback rooted in faith and personal growth.
Drafted first overall by the New York Mets in 1980, Strawberry quickly became one of the defining players of the 1980s.
Known for his towering home runs, smooth left-handed swing, and rare blend of power and speed, he rose to superstardom early and helped lead the Mets to a historic 1986 World Series championship.
Despite earning tens of millions of dollars during his playing days, legal issues, addiction, and health challenges significantly reduced his long-term wealth.
Early Life And Background
Darryl Strawberry was born on March 12, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in an athletic household and played baseball alongside his brother Michael, who also reached the major leagues.
Strawberry later revealed that his childhood was marked by emotional and physical abuse from his father, an experience he has said contributed to his later struggles with substance abuse.
Despite these challenges, his talent was undeniable. By high school, Strawberry was already viewed as a generational prospect, setting the stage for his rapid ascent to professional baseball.
MLB Career And Rise To Stardom
Strawberry entered Major League Baseball in 1983 with the New York Mets and immediately made an impact.
He won National League Rookie of the Year honors and quickly became the face of the franchise.
Between 1984 and 1991, he was selected to eight consecutive All-Star Games and won two Silver Slugger Awards. Standing 6-foot-6, Strawberry combined elite power with surprising speed, finishing his career with:
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335 home runs
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1,000 RBIs
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221 stolen bases
He remains the Mets’ all-time home run leader and was a central figure in one of the most dominant teams of the 1980s.
Contracts, Salaries, And Career Earnings
Over his 17-year MLB career, Darryl Strawberry earned an estimated $30 million in total salary, a substantial figure for his era.
His biggest contract came in 1991, when he signed a five-year, $20.25 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball at the time.
Before that, his peak annual salary with the Mets was approximately $1.8 million in 1990.
Later stints with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees came with smaller, incentive-based contracts, though postseason bonuses helped supplement his income, especially during his championship runs with the Yankees in the late 1990s.
IRS Auction And Deferred Compensation Controversy
One of the most unusual episodes tied to Darryl Strawberry’s finances involved the IRS auctioning his deferred Mets contract.
In the mid-1980s, Strawberry agreed to defer a portion of his salary, creating a long-term annuity worth approximately $1.28 million, payable in monthly installments beginning in 2010.
However, unpaid federal taxes from the late 1980s led the IRS to seize the contract.
In 2014, the IRS auctioned off the right to receive Strawberry’s future payments, offering buyers a guaranteed monthly income stream.
While financially complex, the episode became a symbolic reminder of how mismanagement and legal troubles can erode even massive athletic earnings.
Legal Troubles And Financial Setbacks
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Strawberry faced numerous legal and financial challenges, including unpaid child support, lawsuits, drug-related arrests, and probation violations.
These issues resulted in fines, legal fees, and lost earning opportunities, all of which contributed to the sharp decline in his net worth.
In a significant development, President Donald Trump pardoned Strawberry in November 2025 for a 1995 tax evasion conviction, closing a long-running chapter in his legal history.
Health Battles And Cancer Diagnosis
In 1998, Strawberry was diagnosed with colon cancer, which later spread to his lymph nodes. After surgery and chemotherapy, he returned to the field for one final season in 1999.
In 2000, cancer reappeared, ultimately leading to the removal of one of his kidneys.
Despite these serious health challenges, Strawberry survived and used his experience to inspire others facing similar battles.
Life After Baseball And Personal Redemption
Following retirement, Darryl Strawberry embraced a new path. He became a born-again evangelical Christian, a minister, and a motivational speaker, sharing his story of addiction, recovery, and faith.
He regularly appears at churches, conferences, and outreach programs across the United States.
Strawberry has been married three times and is currently married to his wife Tracy, whom he met through recovery work.
Together, they have supported charitable causes, including organizations focused on children with autism.
Business Ventures And Lifestyle
In 2010, Strawberry opened Strawberry’s Sports Grill, though the restaurant closed two years later.
Today, he lives a relatively modest lifestyle, focusing on ministry, public speaking, and charity rather than luxury spending.
While his net worth is far lower than it could have been, Strawberry’s post-baseball life reflects stability, purpose, and long-term personal growth.
Darryl Strawberry’s Legacy
Darryl Strawberry’s story is one of immense talent, cautionary lessons, and ultimate redemption.
Though his financial peak has long passed, his influence on baseball and his ability to transform personal failure into public inspiration remains deeply impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the IRS auction Darryl Strawberry’s contract?
The IRS seized and auctioned his deferred Mets contract due to unpaid federal taxes from the late 1980s.
Did Darryl Strawberry win championships?
Yes, he won four World Series titles—one with the Mets (1986) and three with the Yankees (1996, 1998, 1999).
What does Darryl Strawberry do now?
He works as a Christian minister, motivational speaker, and community advocate, focusing on recovery, faith, and personal transformation.