Brief Introduction of Kevin Herget
Kevin R. Herget is a dedicated American professional baseball pitcher, widely recognized for his resilient journey through the minor league system before making his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. Born on April 3, 1991, Herget’s career exemplifies perseverance, having played for numerous organizations including the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, and currently, the New York Mets. Known for his right-handed pitching, Herget has established a reputation as a reliable arm out of the bullpen and has been a significant presence on various rosters in recent seasons, including multiple stints with MLB clubs. His path from a Division III college athlete to the highest level of professional baseball is a testament to his unwavering commitment and skill. For those interested in Kevin Herget biography, his story highlights the arduous yet rewarding nature of a professional baseball career.
Kevin Herget Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin R. Herget |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1991 |
| Age (as of August 30, 2025) | 34 years old |
| Birthplace | Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (83 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Bats / Throws | Left / Right |
| Education | Kean University (B.A. in Mathematical Sciences) |
| Current Team (MLB) | New York Mets (as of August 2025) |
| MLB Debut | September 13, 2022 (Tampa Bay Rays) |
| Net Worth (Career Earnings through 2025) | Approximately $667,805 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @kherg16 |
Early Life and Education of Kevin Herget
Born on April 3, 1991, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Kevin Herget’s passion for athletics began early in life. He grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey, where he attended Park Ridge High School. During his formative years, Herget was a multi-sport athlete, excelling not only in baseball but also in wrestling and soccer. His talent on the baseball field was evident as he played a pivotal role in leading his high school team to a Group 1 championship in 2009, marking the school’s first state title since 1977. In his senior year, he posted an impressive 1.62 ERA and a 9-2 record while also showcasing his offensive capabilities with 8 home runs, 40 runs, and 33 RBIs. Herget’s involvement in wrestling even led to him breaking his fingers multiple times, highlighting his competitive spirit.
Following his successful high school career, Herget chose to attend Kean University, a Division III institution in Union, New Jersey. It was here that he truly cemented his status as a standout collegiate baseball player. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematical Sciences, graduating in 2015. His academic pursuits were matched by his athletic achievements, as he set several program records during his time at Kean. Herget became the university’s all-time leader in innings pitched with over 345, strikeouts with 356, and career wins with 31.
Herget’s collegiate tenure was marked by consistent excellence. In his senior season in 2013, he achieved a remarkable 10-2 record with a 1.62 ERA and recorded 106 strikeouts, which ranked as the second-highest in all of Division III that year. His exceptional performance earned him significant accolades, including being named the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Pitcher of the Year and selected to the D3baseball.com All-American Second Team. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Pitcher of the Year.
Under Herget’s leadership and skill, Kean Baseball experienced a golden era, securing three NJAC Championships and three NCAA Regional Championships. The team also made history by advancing to the NCAA Division III World Series for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013. His profound impact on the program was further recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the Kean University Benisch Athletic Hall of Fame. In a special ceremony held in October 2024, Kean University honored Herget by retiring his number 16 jersey, making him the first baseball player in the university’s history to receive such an honor and only the third athlete overall. This occasion underscored his lasting legacy and the indelible mark he left on Kean University Athletics.
Kevin Herget’s Career
Kevin Herget’s professional baseball career is a testament to perseverance, marked by a lengthy journey through the minor leagues before reaching the sport’s highest level. His professional path began when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 39th round, 1,175th overall, of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft out of Kean University.
He spent several years within the Cardinals’ minor league system, gradually climbing the ranks. In 2016, Herget made his first appearance at the Triple-A level with the Memphis Redbirds. Across three different levels—Palm Beach, Springfield, and Memphis—that year, he recorded an impressive 5–0 record with a 2.02 ERA, securing 16 saves and striking out 61 batters over 62⅓ innings. He continued to perform consistently in 2017 and 2018, primarily with Springfield and Memphis, demonstrating his ability to be a versatile pitcher.
After a significant tenure with the Cardinals organization, Herget explored opportunities in independent baseball. In January 2021, he signed with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Professional Baseball. His performance there quickly caught the attention of MLB organizations again, leading to his contract being purchased by the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in May 2021. He played for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers before later having a brief stint with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League in 2022.
Herget’s breakthrough to Major League Baseball came in 2022. On May 11, the Tampa Bay Rays signed him to a minor league deal. After strong performances with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, where he posted a 2.45 ERA in 80⅔ innings, the Rays selected his contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time on August 19, 2022. He made his MLB debut on September 13, 2022, against the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite being designated for assignment multiple times that season, a common occurrence for relievers, he continued to demonstrate his capabilities.
In November 2022, Herget signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, and after starting the 2023 season in Triple-A, he was called up to the active roster on April 5, 2023. A notable moment in his Reds tenure came on May 11, 2023, when he pitched three scoreless innings against the New York Mets to earn his first career save. He made 11 appearances for Cincinnati, recording a 5.73 ERA over 22 innings of work before being designated for assignment and electing free agency later that year.
The 2024 season saw Herget join the Milwaukee Brewers on a minor league contract. He made several appearances for the Brewers, logging a 1.59 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 11⅓ innings in seven total outings, showcasing his effectiveness at the MLB level. He bounced between the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate Nashville Sounds and the major league roster throughout the season.
The 2025 season brought a series of transactions for Herget, further illustrating the fluid nature of a relief pitcher’s career. On November 4, 2024, the New York Mets claimed him off waivers from the Brewers. He began the 2025 season with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets and was called up to the major league roster on April 29, 2025. After a brief stint, he was optioned back down and then designated for assignment on May 15. Subsequently, in July 2025, he joined the Atlanta Braves, only to be sent outright to their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, a move he refused, opting for free agency. However, his journey quickly led him back to the New York Mets, who signed him to a minor league contract on July 18, 2025, reflecting the persistent demand for his experience and skill.
As of late 2025, Kevin Herget holds a career MLB record of 1 win and 3 losses, with a 4.31 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 48.0 innings pitched. His minor league career statistics are more extensive, with 63 wins, 30 losses, a 3.44 ERA, and 792 strikeouts over more than 783 innings.
Kevin Herget Personal Life & Family
While Kevin Herget’s public profile is primarily centered on his baseball career, glimpses into his personal life reveal a grounded individual with strong family ties and relatable interests. Information from 2013 indicated he was with his “girlfriend” and family when he received the call about being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, a moment he described as being “in shock and was just really happy someone gave me a chance.”
Details about his current marital status or whether he has children are not extensively publicized. However, his affection for his family is evident; in an interview, he mentioned that if he won the lottery, the first thing he would buy would be a boat for his dad, a long-cherished dream for his father since Herget was drafted.
Beyond the baseball diamond, Herget enjoys simple pleasures. He is an avid fan of the outdoors, particularly the beach or pool, making them his preferred spots on off days, weather permitting. His musical tastes lean towards rock, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers being a favorite band, and their song “Can’t Stop” serving as his walkout music for years. Growing up, his favorite baseball player was David Wright, the former New York Mets captain, which is a fitting detail given Herget’s current affiliation. He also expressed a preference for Taylor Swift over Beyoncé, offering a lighthearted insight into his pop culture interests.
Herget’s collegiate pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences hints at a keen analytical mind, suggesting that if he hadn’t pursued professional baseball, he likely would have become a math teacher or a baseball coach. This inclination further underscores his lifelong connection to education and sports.
Awards and Achievements of Kevin Herget
Kevin Herget’s career is decorated with significant awards and achievements, spanning from his high school days through his collegiate and professional baseball journeys. These accolades underscore his consistent performance and impact on the teams he has been a part of.
High School Achievements
- Group 1 Championship (2009): Led Park Ridge High School to its first state title since 1977.
Collegiate Achievements (Kean University)
- New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Pitcher of the Year (2013): Recognized as the top pitcher in his conference.
- D3baseball.com All-American Second Team (2013): Earned national recognition for his outstanding collegiate performance.
- Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Pitcher of the Year (2013): Honored as the best pitcher in his regional conference.
- Kean University All-Time Records: Holds program records for most innings pitched (345), most strikeouts (356), and most career wins (31).
- NCAA Division III World Series Appearances (2011, 2012, 2013): Played a crucial role in leading Kean University to three consecutive World Series appearances.
- NJAC Championships (Three-time): Contributed to multiple conference championships.
- NCAA Regional Championships (Three-time): Helped secure three regional titles for Kean.
- Kean University Benisch Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (2021): Honored for his overall contributions and excellence in Kean Athletics.
- Jersey Number 16 Retired (October 2024): Became the first baseball player in Kean University history to have his number retired, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Professional Achievements
- Major League Baseball Debut (September 13, 2022): Achieved his dream of playing in MLB with the Tampa Bay Rays.
- First Career MLB Save (May 11, 2023): Recorded a significant milestone while pitching for the Cincinnati Reds.
Kevin Herget Net Worth and Income
Understanding Kevin Herget net worth requires an examination of his professional baseball earnings, which primarily stem from his salaries and contracts throughout his extensive minor league and relatively recent Major League career. Professional baseball players, especially those who spend significant time in the minor leagues, often see their income increase substantially upon reaching the MLB level.
As of August 2025, Kevin Herget’s total career earnings through the 2025 season are estimated to be approximately $667,805. This figure encompasses his salaries from various organizations he has played for, both at the minor and major league levels.
For the 2025 season, Herget signed a contract with the New York Mets. This contract guarantees him a base salary of $760,000, with an average annual salary matching that figure. This represents a significant increase in his annual income compared to his earlier years in the minor leagues. While a specific, independently verified “net worth” figure for Kevin Herget is not publicly available, his career earnings provide the most accurate indication of his financial standing within the context of his professional career. It is important to note that net worth estimates can vary widely based on individual financial management, investments, and expenses. However, the available data confirms his substantial earnings from his dedication to professional baseball.
His income sources are almost exclusively tied to his contracts as a professional baseball pitcher. Unlike some high-profile athletes, there is no readily available information indicating major endorsement deals or external business ventures that significantly contribute to his overall wealth. His financial trajectory mirrors that of many baseball players who grind through the minor leagues, building their earnings over time, with a considerable bump upon securing MLB roster spots and guaranteed contracts.
Legacy and Influence
Kevin Herget’s legacy in baseball is characterized by his exceptional perseverance and dedication, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly those from smaller collegiate programs. His journey from a Division III college player to a Major League Baseball pitcher is a powerful narrative in itself.
At Kean University, his influence is profound and enduring. He is celebrated as one of the most decorated student-athletes in the university’s history. His record-breaking achievements—holding all-time records for innings pitched, strikeouts, and career wins—have set a high bar for future generations of Cougars baseball players. Beyond statistics, Herget’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the Kean Cougars to three consecutive NCAA Division III World Series appearances, multiple conference, and regional championships. This era of success firmly placed Kean University baseball on the national map. His induction into the Kean University Hall of Fame in 2021 and the historic retirement of his number 16 jersey in October 2024 further solidify his iconic status within the university’s athletic tradition.
In the professional realm, Herget’s career epitomizes the “grinder” mentality—a player who continually works to improve and seize opportunities despite challenges. His repeated ascent from independent leagues and minor league contracts to the MLB roster, often with different organizations, speaks volumes about his resilience and adaptability. He has served as a tangible example that talent and hard work, regardless of the initial draft round or college division, can lead to the highest level of professional sports. His public image is that of a determined athlete who consistently proves his capabilities against long odds, resonating with fans and young players alike who appreciate the dedication required to achieve such a dream. His own words reflect this mindset: “At first I felt like I was a little bit over my head and doubting myself, like I’m this D-III guy, like with the D-I guys, I don’t deserve to be here, but once you actually start seeing them play and start playing against them, you realize that you’re just as good as them, if not better. Your mind’s a powerful tool.”
His career demonstrates the importance of continuously learning and adapting, a vital trait for any athlete seeking longevity in competitive sports. Herget’s commitment to the game and his ability to contribute across various MLB organizations contribute to a legacy of professionalism and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Interesting Facts about Kevin Herget
- Mathematical Mind: Kevin Herget earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematical Sciences from Kean University, demonstrating an aptitude for academics alongside his athletic talents. If he wasn’t a baseball player, he speculated he would likely be a math teacher or a baseball coach.
- Multi-Sport Athlete: In high school, Herget was not only a star baseball player but also actively participated in wrestling and soccer. He even mentioned breaking his fingers a few times while wrestling.
- College Record Breaker: At Kean University, he set impressive all-time records for most innings pitched (345), most strikeouts (356), and most career wins (31).
- Inspirational Quote: Herget once reflected on his journey from a Division III school to professional baseball, stating, “Your mind’s a powerful tool. If you think it’s going to be above your head, it’s going to be above your head. If you think you’re at the same level as them, you’re going to be just fine.”
- Nickname: His teammates and friends affectionately refer to him by variations of his last name, such as “Hergie” and “Hergie Fully Loaded.”
- Walkout Anthem: Herget’s chosen walkout song is “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a band he admires greatly.
- Childhood Hero: Growing up in New Jersey, Herget’s favorite baseball player was David Wright, the legendary third baseman for the New York Mets.
- Lottery Dream: If he ever won the lottery, Herget’s immediate plan would be to buy his dad a boat, fulfilling a long-standing desire.
- Pop Culture Preference: When asked to choose between two pop music icons, Herget stated he is a “Taylor Swift for sure” fan.
- Historic Jersey Retirement: In October 2024, Kean University retired his number 16 jersey, an unprecedented honor for a baseball player in the university’s history.
Controversies
Throughout his extensive career in professional baseball, Kevin Herget has maintained a remarkably clean public record. There are no widely reported controversies, scandals, or significant disciplinary issues associated with his name in credible media or official baseball sources. His career narrative consistently focuses on his athletic journey, perseverance, and on-field performance, rather than off-field incidents or challenges. This indicates a professional demeanor and a consistent focus on his commitment to the sport.
Social Media Presence
Kevin Herget maintains a presence on social media, offering fans a glimpse into his professional and personal life. His primary platform is Instagram, where he can be found under the handle @kherg16. On this platform, he shares updates related to his baseball career, including on-field moments, team activities, and occasional personal insights. While many athletes also utilize platforms like Twitter (now X) or YouTube, comprehensive search results do not indicate a significant or active public presence for Kevin Herget on these particular channels. His social media engagement appears focused on sharing aspects of his athletic journey directly with his followers.
Final Words about Kevin Herget
As of late 2025, Kevin Herget continues to embody the spirit of resilience and determination in professional baseball. His journey is a powerful testament to the fact that dedication and hard work can overcome long odds, especially for a player who began his career as a 39th-round draft pick from a Division III collegiate program. After a dynamic 2025 season that saw him navigate multiple team changes, including stints with the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and a return to the Mets organization, he currently remains an active pitcher for the New York Mets.
Herget’s legacy is firmly cemented, particularly in the collegiate baseball world, where his record-breaking achievements and the retirement of his jersey at Kean University serve as a permanent source of inspiration. His ability to continuously adapt, perform, and earn opportunities at the highest levels of the sport, even after facing numerous challenges and transactions, speaks volumes about his character and skill. Fans following Kevin Herget wiki or searching for Kevin Herget gf/bf and Kevin Herget husband/wife will find that his public persona is largely defined by his professional dedication. Looking ahead, Herget’s future plans will undoubtedly revolve around maintaining his presence in Major League Baseball, continuing to contribute to his team’s success, and further solidifying his impressive career narrative. His story remains a compelling example of perseverance in the demanding world of professional sports, demonstrating that passion and effort can lead to sustained success at the pinnacle of the game.