Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Al Leiter Jr. (misnomer) |
| Commonly Refers To | Jack Leiter; Mark Leiter Jr. |
| Relationship to Al Leiter | Jack: son; Mark Jr.: nephew |
| MLB Debut | Jack: 2024; Mark Jr.: 2017 |
| Current Teams (2025) | Jack: Texas Rangers; Mark Jr.: New York Yankees |
| 2025 Salary Range | $800,000–$2,050,000 |
Identity Clarification
Rather than a professional baseball player by that name, “Al Leiter Jr.” refers to two relatives of former MLB star Al Leiter. First, Jack Leiter is the son of Al Leiter, a promising Vanderbilt University player who joined the Texas Rangers. Second, Mark Leiter Jr. is the nephew of Al Leiter, a solid pitcher who has played for various major league teams, including the Yankees. Thus, “Al Leiter Jr.” refers to this baseball lineage rather than a specific person.
| Person | Relation to Al Leiter | Birth Year | MLB Debut | Current Team (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Leiter | Son | 2000 | April 18, 2024 | Texas Rangers |
| Mark Leiter Jr. | Nephew | 1991 | April 28, 2017 | New York Yankees |
Early Life and Background
Jack and Mark Leiter Jr. grew up in New Jersey with strong baseball traditions. Jack, born in Plantation, Florida, and raised in Summit, attended Delbarton School with future MLB players, while Mark Jr., born in Fort Lauderdale, played at Toms River High School North before setting strikeout records at NJIT. National showcases and intense youth programs impacted their development as top prospects. These parallel foundations allow each to compete differently in amateur and collegiate competition.
| Person | Birthplace | High School / College | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Leiter | Plantation, Florida | Delbarton School; Vanderbilt University | 2019 Gatorade NJ Player of the Year (0.54 ERA) |
| Mark Leiter Jr. | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Toms River HS North; NJIT | May 3, 2013: 20 strikeouts in a single NJIT game |
Professional Career Milestones
Jack Leiter and Mark Leiter Jr. had different career paths based on their development and organizational roles. Jack was drafted second overall by the Texas Rangers in 2021 and was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year before making his MLB debut in 2024. After the Phillies selected Mark Jr. in the 22nd round in 2013, he played for four teams until joining the Yankees in mid-2024 via trade. Their combined statistics through early 2025 show how a young phenom and a seasoned reliever differ in experience and performance.
| Person | Draft Details | MLB Debut | Early Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Leiter | 2021: 2nd overall, $7.92 M bonus | April 18, 2024 | No-hitter college debut; PCL Pitcher of the Year 2024 |
| Mark Leiter Jr. | 2013: 22nd round by Phillies | April 28, 2017 | 356 career strikeouts; multi-team veteran |
Financial and Contract Details
Although neither player’s total wealth is published, their 2025 contracts reveal their market prices at different career levels. Jack Leiter’s $800,000 rookie-year salary indicates pay based on service time, while Mark Leiter Jr.’s $2,050,000 guarantee highlights his proven track record and arbitration eligibility. Jack received a nearly $8 million draft bonus, while Mark Jr. received a more modest beginning terms. These numbers show how lineage, draft status, and performance measures affect MLB salaries.
| Person | 2025 Salary | Signing Bonus | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Leiter | $800,000 | $7.92 million | Pre-arbitration, service-controlled |
| Mark Leiter Jr. | $2,050,000 | (undisclosed) | Arbitration-eligible |
Family Legacy and Impact
Al Leiter’s 19-year career and accolades set the standard for his successors’ professional baseball success. Jack Leiter continues his father’s heritage through early successes and pedigree, while Mark Leiter Jr. leads his own branch of the family tree after being mentored by his father and uncle. Their interwoven stories highlight genetic and environmental influences in peak athletic development. These relatives illustrate the Leiter clan’s continuous effect on America’s pastime since “Al Leiter Jr.” is a placeholder.
| Family Member | Relationship | MLB Tenure | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Leiter | Patriarch | 1987–2005 | 3× World Series champion; 2× All-Star |
| Mark Leiter | Brother of Al | 1990–2001 | 11-year career; durable starter and reliever |
| Jack Leiter | Son of Al | 2024–present | Top prospect, Vanderbilt standout |
| Mark Leiter Jr. | Son of Mark Sr. | 2017–present | Versatile bullpen arm across four franchises |
FAQ
Who is Al Leiter Jr.?
“Al Leiter Jr.” is a misnomer combining Al Leiter’s son, Jack, with his nephew, Mark Leiter Jr.
Jack Leiter’s greatest achievements?
Jack pitched two no-hitters, leading Vanderbilt to the College World Series finals, and was drafted second overall in the 2021 MLB draft.
How has Mark Leiter Jr. done in the majors?
Since 2017, Mark Leiter Jr. has over 350 strikeouts and pitched in four MLB bullpens before joining the Yankees.
Why does Al Leiter Jr. cause confusion?
Many confuse the two younger Leiters as “Jr.” due to their shared surname and familial ties.
