The high cost of a major league dream
In short: Before he was an MLB All-Star, Mike Foltynewicz was a child prodigy whose training left a physical mark on his entire family. His journey through the professional ranks was defined by elite talent, massive contracts, and a series of grueling physical setbacks.
Born in 1991, Mike Foltynew and his parents, Gary and Cindy, experienced the physical toll of early baseball training firsthand. During one summer of intensive batting practice, both parents developed elbow problems from throwing him so many pitches. This dedication eventually led Foltynewicz to be selected 19th overall by the Houston Astros in the 2010 MLB draft, a move that saw him bypass a planned education at the University of Texas at Austin for a $1.2 million signing bonus.
His professional ascent was marked by significant fluctuations in performance and health. After being named the Astros' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2012, he moved to the Atlanta Braves via trade in early 2015. His time in Atlanta was a rollercoaster of highs and lows: he achieved a complete game shutout against the Washington Nationals in 2018 and earned an All-Star selection, yet he also faced life-threatening complications. In late 2015, he was diagnosed with costochondritis and pneumonia, followed by blood clots in his pitching arm that required a rib resection surgery, causing him to lose approximately 20 pounds.
Despite earning multi-million dollar contracts—including $5.475 million in 2019 and $6.425 million in 2020—the physical and professional strain continued. After stints with the Texas Rangers in 2021, his career saw the end of his time with the Braves via designation for assignment in 2020. Beyond the diamond, his personal life faced significant turmoil when, in 2022, his wife Brittany Wortmann accused him of domestic abuse and adultery during their separation.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mike Foltynewicz
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