Dustin May Biography: Age, Height, Career Stats, Net Worth & 2026 Comeback

Dustin May is a flame-throwing right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, instantly recognizable by his flowing red hair and a fastball that touches 100 mph. Nicknamed “Gingergaard,” he has emerged as one of baseball’s most exciting young arms, helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series and battling back from major elbow surgeries to reclaim his spot in the rotation. As of 2026, May is fully healthy and poised to anchor the Dodgers’ staff for years to come.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Dustin Jake May was born on September 6, 1997, in Justin, Texas, a small town about 30 miles north of Fort Worth. He grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, David and Tonya May, and an older sister. From a young age, Dustin showed a natural talent for sports, but baseball quickly became his passion. His father, a former college baseball player, coached him in Little League and helped develop his powerful arm.

May attended Northwest High School in Justin, where he starred on the baseball team as both a pitcher and infielder. As a senior, he posted a 0.44 ERA and struck out 120 batters in 63 innings, drawing attention from MLB scouts. His fastball already sat in the low 90s, but his projectable 6-foot-6 frame suggested even more velocity to come. Despite his talent, May was not heavily recruited by major college programs, largely because he was committed to playing at Texas Tech University. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, and he chose to sign professionally rather than attend college.

Career Journey

Minor League Beginnings

After signing with the Dodgers, May began his professional career in the Arizona League in 2016. He quickly moved through the farm system, impressing coaches with his sinking fastball and sharp curveball. In 2018, he split time between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa, compiling a combined 3.39 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 132.2 innings. His breakout came in 2019 at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted a 3.38 ERA and was named the Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year. By midseason, he was knocking on the door of the majors.

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Dustin May made his MLB debut on August 2, 2019, against the San Diego Padres. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four runs but flashing the electric stuff that would soon make him a household name. He finished the 2019 regular season with a 3.63 ERA in 14 appearances (four starts). The Dodgers included him on their postseason roster, and he delivered 3.1 scoreless innings in the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals.

Breakout 2020 and World Series Run

The shortened 2020 season was May’s true arrival. He began the year in the bullpen but eventually moved into the rotation, posting a 2.57 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 56 innings. His sinker averaged 99.2 mph, the hardest among all starting pitchers. May’s performance earned him National League Rookie of the Month honors for August 2020. In the postseason, he played a crucial role as both a starter and reliever, helping the Dodgers capture their first World Series title since 1988. He appeared in seven playoff games, including two starts, and struck out 13 batters in 10.2 innings.

Tommy John Surgery and Recovery

May’s promising career hit a major roadblock in 2021. On May 1, he left a start against the Milwaukee Brewers with elbow discomfort. An MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), and he underwent Tommy John surgery on May 12, 2021. The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of 2021 and all of 2022. He began a throwing program in early 2023 and made a brief return in May 2023, but after just nine starts, he experienced renewed elbow pain. In July 2023, he had a second surgery—this time a flexor tendon repair—which ended his season and kept him out for all of 2024.

2025 Return and 2026 Season Outlook

After nearly two full years away from the mound, Dustin May returned to the Dodgers in 2025 with a revamped delivery and a cautious workload. He was limited to around 120 innings but showed flashes of his pre-injury dominance, finishing with a 3.45 ERA and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His velocity remained elite, and his command steadily improved as the season progressed. Entering 2026, May is expected to be a full-go without restrictions. The Dodgers are counting on him to be a top-of-the-rotation starter alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Early 2026 reports indicate his sinker is once again touching 100 mph, and he has added a refined changeup to his arsenal. If he stays healthy, 2026 could be his best season yet.

Career Stats

Below are Dustin May’s regular-season MLB statistics through the 2025 season. (Stats are subject to change as the 2026 season progresses.)

Personal Life

Off the field, Dustin May leads a quiet, family-oriented life. He married his longtime girlfriend, Katy, in November 2022 in a rustic Texas ceremony. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Scottie, in 2023. They reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during the offseason and enjoy spending time outdoors.

May is an avid hunter and fisherman, often sharing photos of his catches and hunts on social media. He also loves playing video games, particularly “Call of Duty” and “MLB The Show.” Despite his rising fame, he remains deeply connected to his small-town roots and frequently visits his family in Justin.

Relationship History

Dustin May has been in a relationship with Katy since their high school days. There are no public records of any other serious relationships or dating history. The couple’s bond has been a source of stability throughout his injury recoveries.

Awards & Achievements

• World Series champion (2020)
• National League Rookie of the Month (August 2020)
• Dodgers Minor League Pitcher of the Year (2019)
• MLB All-Rookie Team (2020)
• Pitched in 2020 NLCS and World Series
• Fastest sinker among MLB starters (2020, 99.2 mph avg)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I just try to go out there and throw strikes. When my sinker is working, it’s a ground-ball machine.” – Dustin May

“The red hair? It’s just me. I don’t do anything special—it’s all natural.” – Dustin May on his signature look

“Rehab was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it made me appreciate the game even more.” – Dustin May on returning from Tommy John surgery

Controversies

Dustin May has largely avoided controversy throughout his career. In June 2021, he was one of many pitchers subjected to MLB’s enhanced foreign-substance checks. Umpires inspected his glove, hat, and belt and found no illegal substances. May handled the situation with humor, joking afterward that he only had “sweat and rosin.” No other off-field issues have surfaced.

Favorites

• Favorite Pitch: Sinker
• Favorite Food: Chicken-fried steak
• Favorite Movie: “The Sandlot”
• Favorite Music: Country (especially George Strait)
• Favorite Baseball Player Growing Up: Nolan Ryan
• Favorite Hobby: Hunting whitetail deer

Salary & Net Worth in 2026

Dustin May’s salary has risen steadily through arbitration. In 2025, he signed a one-year, $2.15 million contract to avoid arbitration. For the 2026 season, he is projected to earn between $4 million and $6 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. His career earnings through 2025 are estimated at $5.5 million. Endorsement deals with brands like Rawlings and New Balance add to his income. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at $5 million, a figure expected to climb sharply if he secures a long-term extension with the Dodgers.

Interesting Facts

• Dustin May’s nickname “Gingergaard” was coined by fans because of his resemblance to former Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who also has long red hair and a power arm.
• He throws a sinker that averages over 98 mph, one of the hardest in baseball history.
• May is an accomplished hunter and has harvested several trophy bucks in Texas.
• He wears number 85, an unusual choice for a pitcher, as a tribute to his high school football number.
• In 2020, he became the first Dodgers rookie to win a World Series game as a starter since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.
• Despite his lanky frame, he generates elite spin rates on his curveball, making it a devastating out pitch.

Did You Know Already?

Dustin May’s fastball is so heavy that it produced a ground-ball rate over 55% in 2020, the highest among all qualified starters. He also once struck out 10 batters in a single postseason game (2020 NLCS Game 5), joining an exclusive list of Dodgers rookies to do so.

Social Media Links

Follow Dustin May on his official accounts:

• Instagram: @dustin_may85
• Twitter/X: @dustin_may85

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Dustin May in 2026?

Dustin May is 28 years old in 2026. He was born on September 6, 1997, and will turn 29 later in the year.

What is Dustin May’s height?

He stands 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall.

What is Dustin May’s net worth?

As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at $5 million, primarily from his MLB contracts and endorsements.

When did Dustin May have Tommy John surgery?

He underwent Tommy John surgery on May 12, 2021, and missed the rest of that season and all of 2022.

Is Dustin May married?

Yes, he married his high school sweetheart, Katy, in November 2022. They have one daughter together.

What is Dustin May’s nickname?

His most popular nickname is “Gingergaard,” a playful reference to his red hair and pitching style similar to Noah Syndergaard.

Dustin May’s journey from a small Texas town to the bright lights of Dodger Stadium is a testament to his talent and determination. After overcoming two major elbow surgeries, he is back and ready to dominate in 2026. If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with fellow baseball fans and bookmark our site for more player profiles and updates.

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