Jake Hager officially retired from professional baseball on September 2, 2024, completing a 14-year playing career across multiple organizations before transitioning directly into professional player coaching.
Selected 32nd overall in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays out of Sierra Vista High School, the Las Vegas infielder spent ten seasons grinding through minor league systems while overcoming significant knee surgeries.
Hager reached Major League Baseball in May 2021 with the New York Mets and played utility infield for the Arizona Diamondbacks. On January 22, 2026, he joined the Mets organization as a Double-A assistant hitting and infield coach.
Jake Hager MLB Draft and High School Prospect Days
Before entering professional baseball, Jake Hager built an elite amateur resume in Nevada. His high school performance captured national attention and led to a first-round selection in the 2011 draft.
Sierra Vista High School Stardom
As a high school senior at Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas, Hager established himself as a premier infielder. He delivered a stellar .547 batting average with 11 home runs, earning the prestigious Gatorade Nevada Baseball Player of the Year honors.
Although he initially committed to play college baseball at Arizona State University, his elite production positioned him high on major league scouting boards prior to the draft.
First-Round Selection by the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Hager in the first round as the 32nd overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. To secure his signing and bypass his college commitment to Arizona State, the Rays offered a $963,000 signing bonus.
This milestone launched his professional player journey directly into minor league development, skipping collegiate play to begin his ascent toward the major leagues.
Ten Years in Minor League Baseball
Reaching Major League Baseball required extreme physical endurance and mental resilience. Hager navigated a decade-long minor league journey marked by severe medical injuries, operations, and repeated roster shifts.
Seven Seasons in the Tampa Bay System
Hager spent seven years in the Tampa Bay Rays farm system, steadily advancing through affiliate levels. However, his progress was hampered by major knee operations and physical setbacks that delayed his promotion timeline.
Despite these obstacles, he maintained a reputation as an ultimate “baseball rat” whose work ethic and high field intelligence compensated for physical limitations.
Moving Across Multiple MLB Organizations
After electing free agency from Tampa Bay, Hager continued his journey through minor league rosters across several organizations. He signed agreements with the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners.
Operating as a versatile utility infielder, he consistently provided depth at shortstop, second base, and third base while staying focused on earning a big-league call-up.
Overcoming Severe Knee Operations
Injuries posed the greatest challenge during Hager’s ten-year minor league grind. Rebuilding his physical condition after significant knee surgeries required endless rehabilitation sessions in team training facilities.
His persistent drive allowed him to endure a full decade in minor league ball, embodying perseverance for teammates facing similar medical hurdles.
Major League Debut and MLB Career Statistics
After ten years of relentless perseverance in the minor leagues, Jake Hager achieved his dream by making his Major League Baseball debut on May 15, 2021, with the New York Mets—ironically playing against the Tampa Bay Rays, the team that originally drafted him.
Later that season, the Arizona Diamondbacks claimed him off waivers. Across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hager served as a key utility infielder, displaying versatility across shortstop, second base, and third base.
He even made three relief pitching appearances as a position player for Arizona in 2022 before making his final Major League appearance on July 6, 2022.
| MLB Career Statistic | Official Value |
|---|---|
| Major League Games Played | 42 |
| Batting Average | .197 |
| Hits Recorded | 15 |
| Runs Batted In (RBIs) | 5 |
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | .307 |
While his major league stint spanned 42 games, his ability to execute fundamental play at multiple field positions made him a valued roster asset during his time with New York and Arizona.
Final Playing Chapter and Official Retirement
Following his time with Arizona, Hager continued competing in the high minor leagues. His final playing chapter demonstrated his dedication to supporting club depth before officially concluding his playing career.
Final Playing Stint with the Chicago Cubs
After his release from the Arizona Diamondbacks in August 2023, Hager signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs organization in June 2024.
Assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, he played 39 games to provide experienced infield depth. His presence stabilized the lineup and offered valuable leadership for young prospects rising through the farm system.
Official Retirement Announcement in 2024
On September 2, 2024, Jake Hager officially announced his retirement from professional baseball. Concluding a 14-year career as an active player, he walked away from the field with the respect of coaches and peers across major and minor league baseball.
His career stands as a testament to durability, professionalism, and unwavering passion for the game.
Transition to Professional Coaching Career
Because of his deep tactical knowledge and reputation as a fundamental player, Hager shifted directly into coaching. His transition allowed him to remain vital to player development.
Hired by New York Mets Affiliate
On January 22, 2026, the New York Mets organization hired Hager as the assistant hitting coach and infield coach for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, their Double-A affiliate.
Returning to the organization where he made his major league debut, Hager stepped into an influential role overseeing offensive and defensive development.
Mentoring Minor League Prospects
In his coaching role, Hager guides emerging prospects through the daily mental and physical demands of minor league ball.
Having navigated ten years in the minors himself, he provides authentic instruction on hitting mechanics, infield positioning, and emotional toughness needed to reach Major League Baseball.
Clearing Confusion: Baseball Player vs Wrestler
Many sports fans frequently confuse the baseball infielder with another prominent athlete sharing the exact same name. To clarify key facts between both public figures, review these distinctions:
- Different Athletic Careers: The baseball player Jake Hager was a first-round MLB draft pick, while the other Jake Hager gained fame in professional wrestling as “Jack Swagger”.
- Combat Sports Background: The former WWE wrestler transitioned into combat sports, competing in MMA and combat slapping, whereas the baseball player focused exclusively on diamond sports.
- Zero Baseball Overlap: The combat sports athlete never played professional baseball at any level.
- Current Career Paths: While the baseball player coaches in the New York Mets system, the combat athlete recently retired from wrestling to compete in slap fighting promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Hager
Did Jake Hager retire from baseball?
Yes, Jake Hager officially retired from professional baseball on September 2, 2024, after playing 14 seasons across major and minor league baseball.
What team drafted Jake Hager in MLB?
The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Jake Hager in the first round (32nd overall pick) of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas.
What is Jake Hager doing now?
As of January 22, 2026, Jake Hager works as the assistant hitting coach and infield coach for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Is the baseball player Jake Hager the same as Jack Swagger?
No. The baseball player Jake Hager never wrestled in WWE or fought in MMA; Jack Swagger is a separate athlete who never played professional baseball.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Jake Hager in Baseball
Jake Hager’s baseball journey exemplifies remarkable persistence, professional dedication, and deep field intelligence.
From a celebrated high school prospect in Las Vegas to a first-round MLB draft choice, he persevered through ten grueling minor league seasons and severe knee injuries to accomplish his dream of playing in Major League Baseball.
Today, his transition into coaching with the New York Mets organization ensures that his extensive knowledge and mental resilience will shape future generations of major league talent.
