Josh Rutledge, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) infielder, is best known for his tenure with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox from 2012 to 2017. Born on April 21, 1989, in Cullman, Alabama, he is currently 36 years old in 2025. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 million and a career shift to real estate and financial advising, Rutledge has built a diverse professional life. Married to ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge since 2013, the couple has two children. This article explores his bio, age, net worth, salary, career, height, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Education: Roots in Alabama
Growing up in Cullman, Alabama, Josh Rutledge was immersed in a tight-knit community where baseball was a way of life. His parents, Tony and Cheryl Rutledge, fostered his passion for sports, while his older brother, Michael Rutledge, inspired him by winning a state championship with Cullman High School in 2002. At Cullman High School, Josh was a four-year starter, leading his team to a Class 5A State Championship in 2007 with a .454 batting average, 12 home runs, and 69 RBIs. His stellar performance earned him the title of Alabama 5A Player of the Year.
Rutledge continued his baseball journey at the University of Alabama, playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. As a freshman in 2008, he started 61 games, boasting a .369 batting average and a 28-game hitting streak, one of the longest in school history. His college success, including All-SEC First-Team honors in 2010, paved the way for his selection by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
“Josh was a natural leader on the field, with an uncanny ability to read the game and deliver under pressure,” recalls a former Alabama Crimson Tide coach.
MLB Career: From Rockies to Red Sox
Josh Rutledge’s MLB career spanned from 2012 to 2017, primarily with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox. Making his debut on July 13, 2012, as a replacement for an injured Troy Tulowitzki, Rutledge quickly showcased his talent, batting .345 in his first 145 at-bats with 24 extra-base hits. His rookie season ended with a .274 average, 8 home runs, and 37 RBIs. Known for his versatility, he transitioned from shortstop to other infield positions by 2014.
Traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2014 and later to the Boston Red Sox in 2015, Rutledge faced challenges with injuries, including a knee injury in 2016 and hip surgery in 2017, which ended his MLB career. His final season with the San Francisco Giants in 2018 marked his retirement from professional baseball. Over his career, he recorded a .258 batting average, 20 home runs, and 284 hits.
Post-Baseball Career: Financial Advising and Real Estate
After retiring, Josh Rutledge transitioned into financial advising with Wells Fargo’s RiverFront Group for three years, leveraging his discipline from baseball to guide clients through wealth management. In 2022, he pivoted to real estate, becoming a licensed realtor with Coldwell Banker West Hartford in Connecticut and Massachusetts. His Instagram posts (@josh_rutledge14) highlight his enthusiasm for helping clients find homes, reflecting his passion for community-building.
Additionally, Rutledge co-owns West Alabama Ford, a dealership in Sulligent, Alabama, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. His salary as a financial advisor was approximately $90,000 annually, while his real estate ventures likely contribute significantly to his net worth of $1.5 million in 2025.
Personal Life: Married to Laura Rutledge
Josh Rutledge married Laura Rutledge (née McKeeman), an ESPN and SEC Network reporter, on December 7, 2013, after meeting at a University of Alabama tailgate in 2011. Their relationship, built on mutual support, has thrived for over a decade. The couple welcomed their daughter, Reese Katherine Rutledge, on October 2, 2019, and their son, Jack Alexander Rutledge, on May 25, 2023. Living in Birmingham, Alabama, they share glimpses of their family life on social media (@lauramrutledge).
Laura, a former Miss Florida 2012, has praised Josh’s support in her career, noting, “He’s my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me to chase my dreams.” Their partnership exemplifies balancing demanding careers with family life.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
Josh Rutledge’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, derived from his MLB earnings, financial advising, and real estate ventures. During his final MLB season with the Boston Red Sox in 2017, his salary was approximately $600,000. While specific real estate earnings are undisclosed, industry data suggests top realtors in Connecticut can earn $100,000-$200,000 annually, depending on sales volume. His co-ownership of West Alabama Ford further bolsters his financial portfolio.
Case Study: Transitioning from sports to business, Rutledge’s shift mirrors athletes like Magic Johnson, who leveraged fame into entrepreneurial success. Rutledge’s real estate focus aligns with a growing trend among former athletes investing in stable, community-driven industries.
Height and Physical Stats
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.85 meters) and weighing approximately 190 pounds (86 kg) during his playing days, Josh Rutledge possessed the athletic build ideal for an infielder. His agility and quick reflexes made him a standout shortstop, though injuries later impacted his mobility.
Recent Updates and Lifestyle
In 2025, Josh Rutledge remains active in real estate, frequently sharing listings on Instagram (@josh_rutledge14). His passion for hunting and fishing, evident in social media posts, reflects his outdoorsy lifestyle. Recent posts show him catching mahi-mahi and bigmouth bass, highlighting his love for adventure. As a family man, he balances work with raising his two children, often attending Laura’s ESPN events.
“Switching from baseball to real estate felt like a natural progression. I love helping people find their dream homes—it’s like hitting a game-winning RBI,” Rutledge shared in a 2024 interview.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Alan Rutledge |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1989 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years old |
| Birthplace | Cullman, Alabama, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.85 meters) |
| Weight | 190 pounds (86 kg) |
| Parents | Tony and Cheryl Rutledge |
| Sibling | Michael Rutledge |
| Spouse | Laura Rutledge (married December 7, 2013) |
| Children | Reese Katherine Rutledge (born October 2, 2019), Jack Alexander Rutledge (born May 25, 2023) |
| Education | University of Alabama (Bachelor of Science, 2019) |
| MLB Teams | Colorado Rockies (2012-2014), Los Angeles Angels (2014-2015), Boston Red Sox (2015-2017), San Francisco Giants (2018) |
| MLB Debut | July 13, 2012 |
| Career Batting Average | .258 |
| Home Runs | 20 |
| RBIs | 127 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million |
| Salary (MLB, 2017) | $600,000 |
| Current Profession | Realtor (Coldwell Banker), Co-owner of West Alabama Ford |
| Social Media | Instagram: @josh_rutledge14, Twitter: @JoshRutledge14 |
Why Josh Rutledge Stands Out
Unlike many athletes who struggle post-retirement, Josh Rutledge has reinvented himself, blending his competitive spirit with business acumen. His transition to real estate and dealership ownership highlights a strategic approach to financial stability, a lesson for aspiring athletes. His marriage to Laura Rutledge adds a layer of public interest, as their supportive partnership resonates with fans.
For more details, visit Josh Rutledge’s Wikipedia page, MLB.com, or follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
