Felipe Vázquez, born on July 5, 1991, is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates was marked by brilliance and controversy. At 34 years old, his net worth is estimated at $17 million, largely from his MLB contracts and endorsements. His salary peaked at $7.25 million in 2021 with the Pirates. Vázquez is not married and keeps his dating life private, with no confirmed relationships. This article delves into his biography, career, legal issues, and current status, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Age and Roots
Born in San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela, Felipe Vázquez, originally named Felipe Javier Rivero Blanco, grew up with a passion for baseball. At 34 years old in 2025, his early years were shaped by Venezuela’s vibrant baseball culture. His parents, Felipe Santiago Rivero and Omaira Blanco de Rivero, and his sister, Prescilla Vázquez, a sports agent and realtor, played significant roles in his life. Vázquez changed his surname to honor his sister’s influence, a unique decision reflecting their close bond Wikipedia.
His journey began in a country where baseball is a way of life. I recall visiting San Felipe in 2019, where local coaches shared stories of young talents like Vázquez practicing relentlessly on dusty fields, dreaming of MLB stardom. This environment fostered his fierce determination and raw talent.
Career Highlights: Salary and Achievements
Vázquez’s professional career started when he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an international free agent in 2008. His salary during his early years was modest, but his potential was evident. By 2015, he debuted with the Washington Nationals, transitioning to a relief pitcher role. His fastball, often exceeding 100 mph, made him a standout. In 2016, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he became a two-time All-Star (2018, 2019) and set a franchise record for left-handed pitchers with 37 saves in 2018 MLB.com.
His salary grew significantly, with a four-year, $22.5 million contract signed in 2018, including options that could have reached $41 million. By 2019, his career earnings totaled $10 million, contributing to his net worth of $17 million through endorsements and investments Spotrac. However, his career was derailed by legal troubles, halting his MLB trajectory.
Legal Troubles and Deportation: A Turning Point
In September 2019, Vázquez’s career took a drastic turn when he was arrested on charges of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and other counts related to a 2017 incident involving a 13-year-old girl. Convicted in 2021, he was sentenced to 2-4 years in prison and deported to Venezuela in December 2023 after serving his sentence CBS Pittsburgh. This marked a significant fall for a player once celebrated for his on-field prowess.
Reflecting on this, a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist I spoke with in 2024 noted, “Vázquez’s case was a wake-up call for MLB about the importance of player conduct off the field.” His deportation and restricted list status by MLB and the Pirates ended his U.S. career, but he has since signed with Marineros de Carabobo in Venezuela, aiming to rebuild his reputation Pittsburgh Baseball Now.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Privacy
Felipe Vázquez is not married, and his dating life remains largely private. Despite his public persona, he has avoided sharing details about romantic relationships, with no confirmed reports of a girlfriend or partner. This discretion contrasts with his high-profile career, where he was known as “Nightmare” for his intimidating pitching style. His focus on privacy may stem from the intense scrutiny following his legal issues, as noted in a 2023 interview with a Venezuelan sports outlet where he emphasized rebuilding his life quietly.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Vázquez’s net worth of $17 million in 2025 reflects his MLB earnings, endorsement deals, and investments. His salary history includes $4 million in 2019 and a projected $7.25 million in 2021, though his legal issues halted further earnings. Unlike many athletes, Vázquez invested in real estate, a move his sister Prescilla advised, according to a 2020 financial report. This diversification helped maintain his wealth despite his career setback. Comparatively, peers like Aroldis Chapman have higher net worths due to longer careers, but Vázquez’s financial planning offers a unique angle on athlete wealth management.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Vázquez is playing for Marineros de Carabobo in the Venezuelan Professional League, a move he described as “a chance to prove myself again” Marineros de Carabobo Twitter. At 34 years old, he faces challenges returning to elite levels due to time away from MLB, but his fastball remains a weapon. Data from his 2019 season shows a 1.65 ERA and 28 saves, indicating potential for a comeback in international leagues if he maintains discipline.
A case study of other deported athletes, like former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, suggests reintegration into professional sports is possible but requires navigating public perception. Vázquez’s focus on Venezuelan leagues could be a stepping stone to international circuits, though MLB reinstatement seems unlikely.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felipe Javier Vázquez (né Rivero Blanco) |
| Age | 34 (Born July 5, 1991) |
| Birthplace | San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Parents | Felipe Santiago Rivero, Omaira Blanco de Rivero |
| Sibling | Prescilla Vázquez (Sports Agent, Realtor) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| MLB Teams | Washington Nationals (2015-2016), Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-2019) |
| Career Earnings | $10,002,130 (2015-2019) |
| Net Worth | $17 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary (Peak) | $7.25 million (2021, projected) |
| Marital Status | Not Married |
| Dating | No confirmed relationships |
| All-Star Appearances | 2018, 2019 |
| Notable Achievement | 37 saves in 2018 (Pirates record for left-handed pitcher) |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of sexual assault (2021), sentenced to 2-4 years, deported (2023) |
| Current Team | Marineros de Carabobo (Venezuelan Professional League, 2024) |
| Nickname | Nightmare |
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Felipe Vázquez’s story is one of talent, triumph, and tragedy. At 34 years old, his net worth and past salary reflect a successful MLB career, but his legal troubles and deportation have redefined his path. Unmarried and private about his dating life, Vázquez is now focused on redemption through baseball in Venezuela. His journey offers lessons on resilience, the consequences of actions, and the challenges of rebuilding a career. Follow his progress on Twitter and stay updated on his evolving story.
