What is Éric Gagné's Net Worth?
Éric Gagné is a former professional baseball pitcher who has a net worth of $16 million. Éric Gagné played ten seasons in MLB from 1999 to 2008, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers, he led the National League in saves and won a Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagné later played with the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers, winning the World Series with the Red Sox in 2007. During his MLB career, Éric Gagné earned $40 million in salary alone.
Early Life and Education
Éric Gagné was born on January 7, 1976 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Growing up, he played baseball and ice hockey, and was coached by his father Richard. Gagné eventually became a star on Canada's Junior World Championship teams. As a teenager, he was educated at Montreal's Polyvalente Édouard-Montpetit High School. Gagné went on to attend Seminole Junior College in Oklahoma, where he became the star pitcher on the school's baseball team.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Although he was chosen by the Chicago White Sox in the 1994 MLB draft, Gagné signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers the following year as an amateur free agent. He subsequently pitched in the minor leagues. Gagné made his MLB debut for the Dodgers in September of 1999. His first few seasons with the team were mostly unremarkable, as he compiled an 11-14 record in 48 games. Gagné had his breakout season in 2002 when he became a relief pitcher. Soon, he became the leading reliever in the National League, earning 52 saves for the 2002 season. Gagné had his greatest season in 2003, converting all 55 of his save opportunities to become the first MLB pitcher ever to record 50 saves or more in multiple seasons. Moreover, he finished the 2003 season with a 1.20 ERA and 137 strikeouts. For his accomplishments, Gagné won the Cy Young Award. He continued his saves streak well into the 2004 season, with his streak ending in early July at 84 consecutive saves, an MLB record. A little over a week later, Gagné recorded his 130th career save, making him the Dodgers' all-time career saves leader.
Heading into the 2005 season, Gagné signed a new, two-year contract with the Dodgers. However, he suffered a number of injuries early that year, limiting him to just 14 games for the season. In June, it was announced that Gagné would be undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery, his second Tommy John operation after his first in 1997. Ultimately, however, he didn't need the operation, as the surgeons were able to resolve his elbow issue less invasively. Still, Gagné was unable to return to MLB in 2005. He was finally able to come back to play in early June of 2006, but shortly after that was put back on the disabled list due to recurring elbow issues. A month later, Gagné experienced back problems and had to undergo season-ending back surgery. After the 2006 season, the Dodgers declined to extend his contract, making him a free agent.
Texas Rangers
In late 2006, Gagné signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers. His injuries continued to plague him, however, and for the third consecutive year he started the regular season on the disabled list. Gagné played with the Rangers through the end of July, going 2-0 with 16 saves and a 2.16 ERA.
Boston Red Sox
On July 31, 2007, Gagné was traded to the Boston Red Sox. At first, he struggled on the team, allowing 14 earned runs in 14 innings in his first 15 appearances. Gagné gradually improved as the season went on, and was eventually added to the playoff roster. The Red Sox would go on to win the 2007 World Series by sweeping the Colorado Rockies. Gagné's only appearance in the tournament was in Game 1, where he pitched a perfect ninth inning in the Red Sox's 13-1 victory.
Milwaukee Brewers
In late 2007, Gagné signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. During his time with the team, he struggled mightily, and lost his closer role to Salomón Torres. Not long after that, Gagné was placed on the disabled list with a rotator cuff injury. He continued to struggle upon his return, and finished the 2008 season with career lows of 10 saves, 38 strikeouts, and a 5.41 ERA. Gagné became a free agent following the season.
Christian Petersen /Getty Images
Later Career
In 2009, Gagné signed with the Can-Am League's Québec Capitales as a starting pitcher and coach. He went on to help the team win the 2009 League Championship. The next year, Gagné attempted a comeback with the Los Angeles Dodgers by agreeing to a minor league contract with the franchise. However, he played just one minor league game before he requested his release. Gagné subsequently announced his retirement.
Over five years after his retirement, Gagné participated in a game with the Can-Am League's Trois-Rivières Aigles. A year after that, he pitched in a game for the Can-Am League's Ottawa Champions. In 2017, Gagné signed a contract with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball's Long Island Ducks, but shortly after that announced his retirement again. Beyond his playing career, Gagné served as a coach for the French national baseball team, the Arizona League Rangers, and the Nashville Sounds.
Personal Life
With his former wife, Valerie Hervieux, Gagné has two daughters and two sons.
In the summer of 2020, Gagné was involved in multiple hit-and-run incidents in Terrebonne, Quebec. He was reportedly apprehended by police.
Real Estate
Over the years, Gagné has owned several homes in Arizona. In 2008 he paid a little under $5 million for a home in Paradise Valley. He sold this home in 2013 for $3.25 million. In July 2004 he paid $2.5 million for a home in the same area. He sold this home in 2015 for $1.79 million. In May 2017 he paid $2.1 million for yet another home in this area. He sold this home for $4.5 million in late 2020.
