Brief Introduction of Dustin May
Dustin Jake May is an American professional baseball pitcher renowned for his powerful arm and distinctive red hair. Born on September 6, 1997, May has established himself as a prominent figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers before his recent move to the Boston Red Sox. He is widely recognized for his key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship run and for his resilient journey through multiple significant injuries that have tested his career. Often called “Gingergaard” due to his appearance and pitching style, or simply “Big Red,” Dustin May has captivated fans with his high-velocity pitches and potential to be an elite starter.
Dustin May Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dustin Jake May |
| Nicknames | Gingergaard, Big Red, Poodle |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1997 |
| Age (as of September 2025) | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Justin, Texas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player (Pitcher) |
| Teams | Los Angeles Dodgers (2019–2023, 2025), Boston Red Sox (2025–present) |
| Spouse | Amelia “Millie” Trautner (m. 2022) |
| Children | None known publicly |
| Net Worth (estimated as of 2025) | $2 Million – $4 Million |
| 2025 Salary | $2,135,000 |
Early Life and Education of Dustin May
Dustin Jake May was born on September 6, 1997, in Justin, Texas, a small suburb located near Fort Worth. Growing up, May was described as a shy child who was largely self-motivated, with minimal outside influence shaping his early interests. His family includes a younger sister and an older half-brother. His mother served as an assistant principal at a middle school, while his father worked for Little Debbie, a detail May fondly recalls due to his love for their snacks, particularly Cosmic Brownies.
May’s introduction to baseball began at a remarkably young age, playing tee-ball with a rubber ball in Justin, Texas, when he was just three years old. He showed early promise in the sport, famously hitting 13 home runs in three games during a youth tournament in McKinney, Texas, in his first year of kid-pitch baseball. Although he continued to hit through his junior year of high school, pitching gradually became his primary focus.
May attended Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, where he honed his baseball skills. His physical development during his high school years was particularly notable; he experienced a significant growth spurt in the summer of 2013, growing six inches from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-3 between his freshman and sophomore years. This rapid growth initially presented challenges, as he had to adjust to his new body, experiencing growing pains in his knees and lower back. Despite this, his fastball velocity, which was in the low 80s as a freshman, unexpectedly jumped to 88-90 mph during his junior year. Initially, college recruitment attention was minimal, but after his coaches shared videos of his improved performance, Texas Tech quickly offered him a scholarship. May verbally committed to play college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders but ultimately chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being selected in the third round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft, receiving a $1 million signing bonus.
Dustin May’s Career
Minor League Journey
After signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dustin May embarked on his professional career, starting in the minor leagues. He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Dodgers, where he spent the entire 2016 season, posting an 0-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings pitched. In 2017, he split his time between the Great Lakes Loons and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, compiling a combined 9-6 record with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 25 games (24 starts). His performance in 2018 for the Quakes earned him a selection to the post-season California League All-Star team. He continued his ascent through the Dodgers’ farm system, starting for the Tulsa Drillers in their title-clinching playoff game in September 2018 and later being selected to the mid-season Texas League All-Star Game and the All-Star Futures Game in 2019.
Major League Debut and Breakthrough
Dustin May made his highly anticipated Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on August 2, 2019, starting for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. He recorded his first MLB strikeout against Hunter Renfroe and earned his first big league win on August 13 against the Miami Marlins. He finished his debut season with a 2-3 record and a 3.63 ERA in 14 appearances (four starts), striking out 32 batters with just five walks.
The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, marked a significant breakthrough for May. He was chosen as the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter, stepping in for an injured Clayton Kershaw. This made him the youngest Opening Day starter for the Dodgers since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. May impressed, recording a 3-1 record with a 2.57 ERA in 12 games (10 starts) and leading all MLB pitchers with a 99.1 mph average four-seam fastball velocity. He played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ postseason run, contributing to their 2020 World Series championship, pitching in seven games (three starts) and recording a 4.22 ERA during the team’s historic victory.
Challenges and Resilience
May’s career has been significantly impacted by a series of injuries. In 2021, after making five starts with a 1-1 record and a 2.74 ERA, he tore his UCL on May 1, requiring season-ending Tommy John surgery on May 12. He returned to the mound on August 20, 2022, pitching five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. However, his struggles with injuries continued. In 2023, after an impressive start to the season with a 4-1 record and a 2.68 ERA through eight starts, he underwent a flexor tendon surgery which also included a Tommy John revision, ending his season prematurely.
Further setbacks occurred in 2024 when May was placed on the 60-day injured list while recovering from his previous surgeries. In July 2024, he underwent emergency surgery for an esophageal tear after a near-fatal choking incident involving a piece of lettuce during dinner with his wife. This unexpected event further delayed his return to the field. Despite these challenges, May began the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making 18 starts and one relief appearance, posting a 6-7 record with a 4.85 ERA and 97 strikeouts through 104 innings pitched.
Trade to Boston Red Sox
On July 30, 2025, a significant turn in Dustin May’s career occurred when he was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox. The trade involved the Red Sox sending minor league outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard to Los Angeles. Reports indicated that May felt “pushed out” by the Dodgers, especially given his desire to remain a starting pitcher, a role that was becoming less guaranteed with the Dodgers’ pitching depth and returning players. The Red Sox acquired him to bolster their starting rotation, with May making his debut with the team in August 2025.
Pitching Style
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 180 lbs, May has a distinctive pitching style. He pitches with a three-quarter stance, characterized by high leg lifts both before release and during follow-through (when no runners are on base). His arsenal primarily features a two-seam fastball, known for its sinker-like movement and averaging over 98 mph, a cutter, a curveball, and a four-seam fastball. In 2020, May was notably ranked fourth among starting pitchers in lateral movement, an uncommon trait for a pitcher with such high-velocity fastballs. His fastball velocity has been clocked as high as 103 mph.
Dustin May Personal Life & Family
Dustin May’s personal life is characterized by close family ties and a significant relationship with his wife, Amelia “Millie” Trautner. May married his long-time girlfriend, Millie Trautner, on December 27, 2022. Millie Trautner was born on June 13, 1997, and grew up in Michigan. She is an accomplished individual, having attended Swan Valley High School and Northwood University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. During her college years, she was a keen athlete, playing both soccer and basketball. Millie has also gained professional experience, working as a trainer for the Saginaw Township Soccer Association, interning at Walt Disney World, and serving as a coach, tutor, and full-cycle instructional recruiter. She currently works remotely in human resources, which allows her to travel with Dustin during the baseball season.
Dustin and Millie met online when May was playing Low-A ball for the Great Lakes Loons in Michigan, the same town where Millie’s college was located. They became engaged in December 2020. Their relationship has been a source of support, particularly during May’s challenging periods with injuries.
A harrowing incident in July 2024 brought their bond into sharp focus when Dustin May nearly choked to death on a bite of lettuce during dinner. May recounted feeling “mega-painful” sensations and initially thought he would be fine, but Millie insisted they go to the emergency room. Doctors discovered a severe esophageal tear requiring emergency surgery, which May later stated saved his life. He publicly thanked his wife for her quick thinking, acknowledging that he might not have gone to the hospital if he had been alone.
Beyond his wife, May has a close family, including a younger sister and an older half-brother. His parents also remain an important part of his life, with his mother being an assistant principal and his father having worked for Little Debbie.
Dustin May is known for his distinctive appearance, particularly his long, curly red hair. This led to the nickname “Gingergaard,” a playful comparison to fellow MLB pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who also has red hair. He is also referred to as “Big Red” and, due to the nature of his curly hair, sometimes jokingly called “Poodle.”
Awards and Achievements of Dustin May
Dustin May has garnered several significant awards and achievements throughout his burgeoning baseball career:
- World Series Champion (2020): May was a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers team that won the World Series in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.
- All-Star Futures Game Selection (2019): While in the minor leagues, May was recognized as one of baseball’s top prospects, earning a spot in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game.
- Texas League All-Star (2019): He was named an All-Star in the Double-A Texas League during his impressive ascent through the Dodgers’ farm system.
- California League Post-Season All-Star (2018): His strong performance with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes earned him a selection to the California League’s post-season All-Star team.
- Fastest Four-Seam Fastball Velocity (2020): May recorded the fastest average four-seam fastball of any MLB pitcher in the 2020 season, averaging 99.1 mph.
Dustin May Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Dustin May’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $4 million. This wealth has primarily been accumulated through his professional baseball contracts and various endorsement deals, which are common for athletes of his caliber.
May’s income is substantially derived from his MLB salary. For the 2025 season, he is set to earn a base salary of $2,135,000. His career earnings, as of 2025, exceed $10 million. While specific details of his endorsement deals are not publicly disclosed, such agreements typically supplement a professional athlete’s income significantly. His financial standing reflects the success he has achieved as a professional baseball player despite the interruptions caused by injuries.
Legacy and Influence
Dustin May’s legacy in baseball is still being written, but he has already made a notable impact as a highly-touted pitching prospect with immense talent. His powerful arm and unique pitching style, characterized by a high-velocity sinker and distinct movement, have made him a fascinating and often dominant force on the mound.
Beyond his on-field performance, May’s journey is also a testament to resilience. He has faced and overcome multiple significant injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries and a life-threatening esophageal tear. His ability to repeatedly return to competitive play after such severe setbacks serves as an inspiration, highlighting the mental and physical fortitude required in professional sports. His public sharing of his near-fatal choking incident in 2024 and his wife’s pivotal role in saving his life further endeared him to fans, showcasing a personal vulnerability and gratitude that resonated beyond the baseball diamond.
As he continues his career, particularly with his new team, the Boston Red Sox, Dustin May’s influence will likely be defined by his ability to maintain consistent health and fulfill the vast potential that has always been recognized in his pitching arsenal. His distinctive presence and powerful performances continue to leave a lasting impression on the sport and its followers.
Interesting Facts about Dustin May
- Nicknames: Dustin May is widely known by several nicknames, including “Gingergaard” due to his striking red hair and a perceived resemblance to pitcher Noah Syndergaard, “Big Red,” and sometimes “Poodle” because of his curly locks.
- Near-Fatal Choking Incident: In July 2024, May experienced a life-threatening incident when a piece of lettuce became lodged in his esophagus, leading to an esophageal tear. He required emergency surgery, and credits his wife, Millie, for insisting they go to the hospital, ultimately saving his life.
- Early Bloomer: He started playing tee-ball at just three years old.
- High School Growth Spurt: Between his freshman and sophomore years of high school, May grew six inches, going from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-3, which brought initial growing pains but eventually contributed to his imposing pitcher’s frame.
- Opening Day History: In 2020, he became the youngest Opening Day starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers since the legendary Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.
- High Velocity: May’s four-seam fastball averaged 99.1 mph in 2020, making it the fastest among all MLB pitchers that season, and he has been clocked as high as 103 mph.
Controversies
Dustin May’s career, while marked by significant talent, has also faced challenges and moments of controversy. The most notable “controversy” revolves around his persistent battle with injuries. While not a controversy in the traditional sense, the frequency and severity of his injuries—including two Tommy John surgeries (a UCL tear in 2021 and a revision in 2023) and a flexor tendon injury—have consistently sidelined him, impacting his ability to achieve sustained performance at an elite level.
More recently, his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox in July 2025 generated considerable discussion. May reportedly felt “pushed out” by the Dodgers, a sentiment that emerged as he desired to remain a starting pitcher, a role that was becoming less certain with the Dodgers’ crowded pitching staff and the return of other key pitchers. This trade, while a business decision, highlighted the often-impersonal nature of professional sports and the emotional toll such moves can take on players who have grown with an organization. The Dodgers’ rationale included his extensive injury history and his 5.09 ERA as a starter in the 2025 season, making the trade a practical move for the team.
Furthermore, like many professional athletes in the modern era, May has been subject to online threats, specifically from sports bettors via social media. This issue, which has affected many MLB players, underscores a growing challenge for athletes in the digital age, bringing a level of harassment and negativity that is difficult to control.
Social Media Presence
Dustin May maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing aspects of his professional and personal life. While specific, updated follower counts were not readily available through general searches, he engages with his audience on platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms serve as a means for him to share updates on his career, glimpses into his personal life, and interact with the broader baseball community.
Final Words about Dustin May
Dustin May stands as a testament to both extraordinary talent and unwavering resilience in the demanding world of Major League Baseball. His journey, from a promising young arm in Justin, Texas, to a World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers and now a key pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, has been anything but ordinary. May has consistently showcased an electrifying pitching arsenal, marked by his high-velocity fastballs and distinctive movement, earning him recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike.
However, his career has also been defined by a series of formidable challenges, particularly a string of severe injuries that would have deterred many. Yet, each setback, including multiple Tommy John surgeries and a near-fatal esophageal tear, has only underscored his determination to return to the mound. His story is one of perseverance, highlighted by the personal courage and the crucial support system, notably his wife Millie, that have enabled his comebacks.
As he continues his tenure with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, Dustin May’s future remains bright, holding the promise of a sustained impact as a top-tier pitcher. His legacy will undoubtedly be built not just on his impressive statistics and memorable performances, but also on his remarkable ability to overcome adversity and inspire others with his unwavering spirit. The baseball world eagerly anticipates watching “Big Red” continue to carve out an indelible mark on the sport for years to come.
