Soroka—often nicknamed “The Rock”—has built a strong reputation in Major League Baseball. Although injuries once sidelined him for extended periods, his determination and commitment to recovery helped him return to competitive form. His journey has since become a notable example of perseverance in professional sports. ## Early Life and Background Michael John Graydon Soroka was born on August 4, 1997, in Calgary. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, the Canadian pitcher grew up in the cold climate of Alberta, where winter sports were a big part of daily life. Before focusing entirely on baseball, Soroka spent much of his childhood playing hockey, where he served as a goalie. That experience helped shape key traits that later defined his baseball career—courage, focus, and quick decision-making under pressure. Despite his talent in hockey, his exceptional ability in baseball soon became clear, and he eventually advanced directly toward the major leagues after finishing high school. One of Soroka’s signature strengths on the mound is his sinker, a pitch designed to drop sharply as it approaches the plate. The movement makes it extremely challenging for hitters to make solid contact. ## Family: Parents Gary and Sally Soroka Soroka’s journey to the big leagues was strongly influenced by the support of his parents, Gary and Sally Soroka. His father, Gary, who also played hockey, has remained a constant source of encouragement and regularly attends his son’s games whenever possible. His mother, Sally, played an equally meaningful role in his life. Tragically, she passed away from melanoma when Soroka was just 12 years old. Despite the loss at such a young age, her memory continues to inspire him. Soroka often credits both parents for instilling the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work that guide his career. ## Relationship: Girlfriend Blake Elizabeth Mohler Soroka has been in a relationship with professional volleyball player Blake Elizabeth Mohler since late 2023. Mohler plays as a middle blocker for the Indy Ignite. She previously competed at Purdue University, where she established herself as one of the top collegiate volleyball players in the United States. Her professional career has also taken her overseas, where she played in leagues in countries such as Germany and France. Because both Soroka and Mohler compete professionally, they share a deep understanding of the dedication and discipline required to succeed in high-level sports, which has strengthened their relationship. ## Contract, Salary, and Net Worth Throughout his career, Soroka has secured several lucrative contracts as a professional pitcher. For the 2026 season, he signed a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $6.5 million. His recent earnings include: * **2026 (Age 28)** – Arizona Diamondbacks: $6,500,000 * **2025 (Age 27)** – Washington Nationals: $9,000,000 * **2024 (Age 26)** – Chicago White Sox: $3,000,000 * **2023 (Age 25)** – Atlanta Braves: $2,800,000 * **2022 (Age 24)** – Atlanta Braves: $2,800,000 Across his career, Soroka has earned more than $23 million in salary. His estimated net worth is believed to be around **$11.5 million**. ## Professional Career Soroka began his professional journey when he joined the Atlanta Braves organization in 2015. His rapid development led to an impressive breakthrough season in 2019, when he earned selection to the MLB All-Star team. That year also saw him recognized as one of the league’s most promising young players. During that same season, Soroka achieved a notable milestone by becoming the youngest pitcher in franchise history to start the Braves’ Opening Day game. However, his momentum was disrupted by injuries that forced him to spend several seasons recovering and rehabilitating. Despite these setbacks, Soroka worked tirelessly to regain his form. His career later included stints with the Chicago White Sox and the Washington Nationals before eventually joining the Arizona Diamondbacks. In addition to his achievements in MLB, Soroka has also been honored with an award recognizing him as **Canada’s top baseball player**. With his resilience and talent, fans remain eager to see how his career continues to develop in the 2026 season.