Sean Gilmartin, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, is best known for his time with the New York Mets and his overall journey through professional baseball. His career, which spanned multiple teams and included both ups and downs, highlights the challenges of making it in the competitive world of baseball. Off the field, Gilmartin’s life is just as interesting, as he navigates family life and life after baseball.
Early Life and College Career
Sean Patrick Gilmartin was born on May 8, 1990, in Thousand Oaks, California. Growing up, he showed an early interest in baseball, which led him to a successful high school career at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. After high school, Gilmartin chose to attend Florida State University (FSU), where he played for the Seminoles baseball team. During his time at FSU, Gilmartin made a name for himself as a top pitcher, showcasing impressive skills and leadership on the mound.
In his junior year, Gilmartin had a standout season, posting a 2.09 ERA and earning All-American honors. His success at Florida State made him one of the top pitching prospects in the country, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves as the 28th overall pick in the first round.
Sean Gilmartin Minor League Journey
After being drafted by the Braves, Gilmartin quickly entered the minor leagues, where he spent several seasons honing his craft. He played for various Braves affiliates, including the Gulf Coast Braves, Mississippi Braves, and Gwinnett Braves. While he showed promise in the minors, Gilmartin faced the typical challenges of a young pitcher trying to make it to the majors. His time in the minors helped him develop his skills and become a more versatile pitcher, with an effective fastball, changeup, and a developing slider.
Major League Baseball Career
Gilmartin’s big break came in 2015 when he was called up to the New York Mets for his MLB debut. He made his debut on April 10, 2015, and, in his first season with the Mets, he impressed fans and coaches alike with his performance. That season, he posted a solid 2.67 ERA and was regarded as a reliable bullpen arm. Gilmartin’s role as a left-handed pitcher made him a valuable asset to the Mets, especially as a relief pitcher. Despite the Mets’ strong season, which saw them reach the 2015 World Series, Gilmartin did not see any postseason action, but his role in the regular season was crucial.
Over the next few years, Gilmartin played for other teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays, though his career in the majors was marked by inconsistent performance. Injuries and roster changes led to Gilmartin bouncing between MLB and minor league assignments. He spent some time in the minors with various teams before making brief appearances in the majors with the Orioles and Rays.
Sean Gilmartin Career Stats and Performance
Throughout his career, Gilmartin had a total of 81 MLB appearances, accumulating 112.0 innings pitched. He finished his MLB career with a 4.34 ERA, 90 strikeouts, and a 1.42 WHIP. While these statistics do not reflect the dominant career of an All-Star, Gilmartin’s contributions as a reliable relief pitcher were appreciated by the teams he played for.
Despite not becoming a long-term starter, Gilmartin’s ability to fill in as a spot starter or left-handed reliever demonstrated his value in the major leagues. His adaptability and consistency earned him roles on multiple teams throughout his career.
Life After Baseball
As of 2025, Gilmartin is no longer playing professional baseball, though his time in the sport has left a lasting impact. After his stint with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, Gilmartin entered a new chapter of his life. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on his personal life and family.
Gilmartin is married to Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary. The couple married in 2017, and they have since welcomed children into their family. Gilmartin’s life off the field is now centered around his family, and he has largely avoided public appearances.
Personal Life and Family
While Gilmartin’s professional career was closely tied to baseball, his personal life has garnered attention due to his marriage to Kayleigh McEnany. The couple married in a private ceremony in November 2017. Since then, they have expanded their family, with two children and reports that they are expecting another in 2025.
Gilmartin, a relatively private person, has mostly stayed away from the spotlight since retiring from baseball. His wife, Kayleigh McEnany, however, remains a prominent public figure. Together, they have maintained a relatively low-key lifestyle, and Gilmartin has supported his wife’s career while focusing on their family life.
Sean Gilmartin Net Worth and Salary
Over his career, Gilmartin earned a respectable salary, though he was not one of the highest-paid MLB players. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is in the range of $3 million to $5 million, a figure based on his earnings from his MLB contracts, minor league salaries, and his signing bonus. While not a multi-millionaire like some of the top MLB stars, Gilmartin’s wealth is a testament to his successful career in professional baseball, even if he wasn’t the biggest name in the sport.
Gilmartin’s career earnings are reflective of the average MLB player — steady, reliable work with solid pay but without the immense wealth some players achieve through endorsements or long-term contracts.
What’s Next for Sean Gilmartin?
After retiring from baseball, Gilmartin’s future seems to lie outside of the sport. While he has not publicly pursued a career in coaching, broadcasting, or business, it’s possible he has moved into a private sector job or is focusing on personal endeavors. With his strong background in baseball, he may be involved in youth baseball or coaching at a smaller level, though nothing has been publicly confirmed.
In terms of public visibility, Gilmartin remains a figure with little media attention, preferring to live a more private life with his family.
Conclusion
Sean Gilmartin’s journey through baseball is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to his craft. While his career did not yield the kind of fame or fortune that some of his contemporaries achieved, he had a solid and respectable run in Major League Baseball. His story is a reminder that professional athletes can experience success at different levels, and for many, the joy of playing the game and contributing to a team is the ultimate reward.
Now, as a father and husband, Gilmartin has embraced life beyond baseball, quietly supporting his family while reflecting on a career that spanned several years in the big leagues. Whether or not he remains in the public eye, his contributions to the sport and his career as a professional pitcher will be remembered by those who followed his journey.
