Jake Burger Bio
Jacob Michael Burger, known professionally as Jake Burger, is an American professional baseball player who serves as a third baseman and first baseman for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins. Drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft, Burger has built a reputation for power hitting and resilience through multiple teams.
After playing college baseball at Missouri State University, Burger made his major league debut in 2021 and quickly established himself as a middle-of-the-order threat. Across his MLB career, he has compiled a .248 batting average with 101 home runs and 284 runs batted in. Off the field, Burger is married to Ashlyn, and the couple have a son and a daughter who was born with Down syndrome.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Michael Burger was born on April 10, 1996, and grew up in the St. Louis area with strong family ties to baseball. His parents are Mike and Shannon Burger, and he has a sister with whom he shared many early experiences around the sport. As children, Jake Burger and his sister frequently attended St. Louis Cardinals games with their father and grandfather, which helped foster a lifelong love of the game.
Burger attended Christian Brothers College High School in Town and Country, Missouri, where he developed into a top prospect. He was not drafted out of high school, and chose to continue his baseball career at Missouri State University, joining the Missouri State Bears program. Burger is a Catholic, and his faith and family have remained central to his personal identity throughout his professional journey.
Path to Professional Baseball
At Missouri State University, Burger emerged as one of the most productive hitters in the Missouri Valley Conference. As a freshman, he played in 57 games, hitting .342/.390/.518 with four home runs and 42 runs batted in, earning Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors. His sophomore season was even stronger, as he batted .349/.420/.689 with 21 home runs and 72 runs batted in over 56 games, and he later played for the United States collegiate national team.
Burger’s junior year in 2017 cemented his status as a first-round talent, batting .328 with 22 home runs and 65 runs batted in while being named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. The Chicago White Sox selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft, and he signed and was assigned to the Arizona League White Sox before being promoted to the Kannapolis Intimidators. He finished that first professional season with a .263 batting average, five home runs, and 29 runs batted in across 51 games.
Jake Burger Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Burger’s early professional career was marked by significant injury setbacks that tested his resolve. Invited to 2018 spring training by the White Sox, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg on February 26, ruling him out for the entire 2018 season. In 2019, he missed additional time due to a bruised heel, limiting his development on the field.
With no minor league season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Burger participated in the CarShield Collegiate League, a collegiate summer league in O’Fallon, Missouri. It marked his first competitive baseball action since 2017. After the summer league ended, he was invited to the White Sox alternate training site, and on November 20, 2020, Burger was added to the 40-man roster, setting the stage for his major league arrival.
Chicago White Sox Era (2021-2023)
Burger began the 2021 season with Triple-A Charlotte Knights before earning his first major league promotion on July 2, 2021, when he was called up after hitting .322 in Charlotte. He made his MLB debut that same day as the starting third baseman against the Detroit Tigers, recording his first career hit, a double off Tigers reliever Erasmo Ramírez. On July 17, 2021, he hit his first career home run, a two-run shot off Houston Astros pitcher Austin Pruitt. In June 2021, Burger was also selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game.
In 2022, Burger was added to the White Sox Opening Day roster and played third base while Yoán Moncada was injured, appearing in 21 games with a .239 average, two home runs, and seven runs batted in before being sent back to Triple-A on May 9. He returned in 2023, with the White Sox promoting him on April 5 when Eloy Jiménez went on the injured list, and on June 4, 2023, Burger delivered a walk-off grand slam against the Detroit Tigers, one of the signature moments of his White Sox tenure.
Miami Marlins Era (2023-2024)
On August 1, 2023, the White Sox traded Jake Burger to the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitching prospect Jake Eder. In 53 games for Miami that season, he batted .303/.355/.505 with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in, giving the Marlins a powerful right-handed bat down the stretch.
Over the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, the Marlins increasingly used Burger at first base while still deploying him at third base and designated hitter, no longer using him at second base. In 2024, Burger made 137 plate appearances for the Marlins, slashing .250/.301/.460 with 29 home runs and 76 runs batted in, though he struggled against left-handed pitching, batting .221/.260/.419.
Texas Rangers Era (2025-Present)
On December 11, 2024, the Marlins traded Burger to the Texas Rangers in exchange for prospects Echedry Vargas, Max Acosta, and Brayan Mendoza. Before the 2025 season began, he changed his uniform number to 21 in honor of his daughter who has Down syndrome. In 103 appearances for Texas in 2025, Burger batted .236/.269/.419 with 16 home runs and 53 runs batted in. On September 29, 2025, it was announced that Burger would require surgery to repair a tendon sheath in his left wrist.
Notable Events and Milestones
Burger’s career has been punctuated by memorable moments, including his walk-off grand slam against the Detroit Tigers on June 4, 2023, and his first career home run on July 17, 2021. His selection to the 2017 MLB draft as the 11th overall pick and his All-Star Futures Game appearance in 2021 stand as major early milestones. Changing his uniform number to 21 in honor of his daughter added an emotional chapter to his Rangers tenure.
Jake Burger Career Wins and Achievements
While Jake Burger is a position player rather than a pitcher, his career achievements are measured in offensive production and milestones across three MLB organizations. Across his time with the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Texas Rangers, Burger has combined for 101 home runs and 284 runs batted in with a .248 batting average. His selection as the 11th overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft marked him as one of the top amateur talents in the country.
Chicago White Sox Highlights
With the White Sox, Burger established himself as a power-hitting third baseman, highlighted by his walk-off grand slam against the Detroit Tigers on June 4, 2023. He recorded his first major league hit and first career home run during the 2021 season, and was selected to the All-Star Futures Game that same year. His early promise as a first-round draft pick was tempered by injury, but his return to form in 2023 set the stage for his next opportunity.
Miami Marlins Highlights
Following his trade to the Marlins in August 2023, Burger delivered immediate production, batting .303/.355/.505 with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in over 53 games. In 2024, he added 29 home runs and 76 runs batted in across 137 plate appearances while transitioning to a first base role. His ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable middle-of-the-order presence for Miami.
Texas Rangers Highlights
Burger’s Rangers tenure began in December 2024 via trade, and he wore number 21 throughout the 2025 season in tribute to his daughter. He appeared in 103 games for Texas, batting .236/.269/.419 with 16 home runs and 53 runs batted in. His season was cut short by the announcement on September 29, 2025, that he would require surgery to repair a tendon sheath in his left wrist.
Jake Burger Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Jake Burger was raised in a close-knit family by his parents, Mike and Shannon, alongside his sister. His father and grandfather regularly took Jake and his sister to St. Louis Cardinals games during his childhood, helping spark his passion for baseball. Burger is a Catholic, and his faith remains an important part of his personal identity.
Spouse and Children
Jake Burger is married to his wife, Ashlyn, and the couple have two children, a son and a daughter. Their daughter was born with Down syndrome, and Burger honored her before the 2025 season by changing his uniform number to 21. Family remains a central pillar of Burger’s life as he continues his MLB career.
2025 Season Performance
Jake Burger’s 2025 season with the Texas Rangers was shaped by transition and resilience following his December 2024 trade from Miami. Playing first base, third base, and designated hitter, Burger appeared in 103 games, batting .236/.269/.419 with 16 home runs and 53 runs batted in. His power production remained a steady presence in the Rangers’ lineup, even as he adjusted to a new organization and a new uniform number worn in honor of his daughter.
The defining storyline of Burger’s 2025 campaign came on September 29, when the Rangers announced he would require surgery to repair a tendon sheath in his left wrist, effectively ending his season. Despite the injury, Burger’s earlier contributions provided the Rangers with a proven right-handed power bat, and the organization remained committed to his role in the middle of the order. His willingness to play through discomfort reflected the same toughness that defined his comeback from earlier injuries.
Looking ahead, Burger’s primary focus following wrist surgery will be a full recovery and a return to form for the Rangers. His positional versatility at first base, third base, and designated hitter, combined with his track record of power hitting, positions him as a key piece of the Rangers’ offensive plans. Burger’s blend of production, leadership, and personal motivation makes him a player to watch as he works toward bouncing back.
