Justin Sterner Bio
Justin James Sterner (born August 29, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher. He currently plays for the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB) and previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays. A former undrafted free agent, Sterner worked his way through the minor leagues before reaching the majors in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Justin James Sterner was born on August 29, 1996, and grew up in Dana Point, California. He graduated from Dana Hills High School, where he developed his interest in baseball and pitching. After high school, Sterner completed a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Apia, Samoa, an experience that shaped his personal outlook before he pursued college athletics.
Following his mission, Sterner enrolled at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he played college baseball for the BYU Cougars. His time at BYU allowed him to refine his pitching craft and prepare for a professional career. The combination of high school competition, missionary service, and college baseball laid the foundation for his transition to the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Baseball
When the 2020 MLB Draft took place, Sterner went unselected, but his college performance and arm talent earned him a contract. On August 3, 2020, he signed with the Miami Marlins as an undrafted free agent. The minor league season was later canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so Sterner did not appear in a game that year.
Sterner made his professional debut in 2021 with the Single-A Jupiter Hammerheads, where he posted a 1.38 ERA across seven appearances. He was later promoted to the High-A Beloit Snappers, where he struggled to a 7.36 ERA with 10 strikeouts in five games. On July 3, 2021, the Marlins traded Sterner and cash considerations to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for David Hess, giving him a fresh opportunity in a new organization.
Justin Sterner Career
Minor League Development (2021-2023)
After joining the Rays system, Sterner finished the 2021 season with the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods and the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. He split the 2022 campaign between Montgomery and the Triple-A Durham Bulls, accumulating a 6-2 record and a 3.94 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 48 innings pitched in 38 appearances. The 2022 season marked his most balanced minor league performance to that point.
In 2023, Sterner returned to Montgomery and Durham, combining for a 5.27 ERA with 71 strikeouts and three saves across 34 total appearances. He continued to develop his repertoire and adjust to the demanding schedule of a full minor league season, building the durability required for higher levels.
Tampa Bay Rays Era (2024)
Sterner opened the 2024 season in Durham, where he compiled a 3.60 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 25 innings pitched. His performance earned a major league opportunity on May 31, 2024, when he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the majors for the first time. He made two appearances during his rookie campaign with the Rays.
Across four innings in his first major league work, Sterner allowed two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits while recording four strikeouts. Although his debut stint was brief, the experience confirmed his readiness for MLB competition and set the stage for the next step in his career.
Athletics Era (2024-Present)
On November 4, 2024, Sterner was claimed off waivers by the Athletics, beginning a new chapter in his career. He opened the 2025 season in the Oakland bullpen and quickly established himself as a reliable relief option. On April 25, 2025, Sterner recorded his first career win after tossing 1+1/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox.
Sterner did not give up a run in his first 18+2/3 innings pitched for the Athletics, demonstrating command and consistency in early-season relief work. His scoreless streak highlighted a sharp introduction to his new organization and offered a glimpse of his long-term potential in the bullpen.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sterner’s most significant career milestone came on May 31, 2024, when he made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays. His first career MLB win followed on April 25, 2025, against the Chicago White Sox while pitching for the Athletics. The early stretch with Oakland, during which he did not allow a run in his first 18+2/3 innings, marked a defining moment of his young career.
Justin Sterner Family
Personal Life
Justin James Sterner is an American professional baseball pitcher who completed a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Apia, Samoa. That missionary service remains a formative part of his personal background. Detailed information about his immediate family and personal relationships is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a fresh start for Sterner with the Athletics after being claimed off waivers in November 2024. Working primarily in relief, he delivered a strong opening stretch, highlighted by his first career win on April 25, 2025, against the Chicago White Sox. His early command helped stabilize the Oakland bullpen during the first weeks of the season.
Sterner’s most impressive early-season statistic was his 18+2/3 consecutive scoreless innings to begin his Athletics tenure. That streak reflected improved fastball command and effective sequencing against opposing lineups. It also signaled his growing comfort within the Oakland pitching infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Sterner will aim to maintain his bullpen role, limit hard contact, and expand his usage in high-leverage situations. Continued health and consistency could position him as a long-term piece of the Athletics relief corps as the organization progresses through its 2025 campaign.