Dustin May is a professional baseball pitcher who has built a reputation for his powerful right arm, unusual pitching style and high potential
The Texas-born right-hander first became widely known as one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ most promising young pitchers.
He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2019 and quickly became an important part of their pitching staff.
May’s career has also been shaped by injuries and several major changes.
That assignment put his postseason experience back in the spotlight and reminded baseball fans why he was once considered one of the Dodgers’ most exciting young pitchers.
For fans who are searching for who Dustin May is, his story is more than just a former Dodgers prospect.
It is a story about a talented pitcher from Texas who reached the major leagues at a young age, became a World Series champion and then had to fight through serious setbacks to continue his career.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Dustin May?
Dustin May is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is a right-handed pitcher who bats right-handed and is known by the nickname “Big Red.” He was born on September 6, 1997, in Justin, Texas.1
May was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft with the 101st overall pick. He developed through the Dodgers’ minor league system before making his major league debut on August 2, 2019.
At 6 feet 6 inches tall, May has a large frame that has helped him generate considerable velocity. His pitching arsenal has included a powerful sinker, a four-seam fastball and breaking pitches that can be difficult for hitters to track.
During his early Dodgers years, May quickly gained attention because of his ability to produce high velocity while also getting movement on his pitches. MLB noted that his four-seam fastball averaged 99.1 mph during the 2020 regular season.
Although injuries have interrupted his career, May has continued to show why teams have been willing to invest in him. His 2026 season became another important chapter as he returned to a regular starting role and later joined Milwaukee during the pennant race.
First Oklahoma buck
Happy Thanksgiving 🍽 https://t.co/qA3NOfagaa— Dustin May (@d_maydabeast) November 28, 2025
Early Childhood and Family
Dustin Jake May was born and raised in Justin, Texas, a small community northwest of Fort Worth. Baseball became an important part of his life while he was growing up in the state.
May attended Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, where his talent as a pitcher quickly became apparent. Texas Tech’s baseball program identified him as one of the promising young players in the state before he eventually entered professional baseball.
His parents are Daniel and Suzanne May. During his high school years, May played under head coach John Herrick and pitching coach Chris Haney.
He also played summer baseball with the D-Bat Elite organization. May’s senior season at Northwest High School was especially impressive.
According to MLB’s player biography, he finished his senior year with a 5-1 record, a 1.50 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 56 innings. His performance helped establish him as one of the better pitching prospects in Texas.
His high school success also earned him national attention. Texas Tech listed May among its 2015 recruiting class and described him as a highly projectable right-handed pitcher.
He was ranked No. 59 overall by Perfect Game and No. 18 among right-handed pitchers in the country at the time. May originally signed a letter of intent to play college baseball at Texas Tech.
However, the Dodgers selected him in the 2016 MLB Draft, giving him the opportunity to begin his professional career instead.
His connection to Northwest High School has remained strong. MLB reports that May was inducted into the Northwest High School Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2023.
Stats Table
| Category | Dustin May |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dustin Jake May |
| Nickname | Big Red |
| Date of birth | September 6, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Justin, Texas |
| Age | 29 |
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
| Bats | Right |
| Throws | Right |
| Position | Pitcher |
| High school | Northwest High School |
| MLB Draft | 2016 |
| Draft round | 3rd round |
| Draft pick | 101st overall |
| MLB debut | August 2, 2019 |
| Original MLB team | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Current team | Milwaukee Brewers |
| 2026 regular-season record | 7-9 |
| 2026 ERA | 4.70 |
| 2026 innings | 145.2 |
| 2026 strikeouts | 144 |
| Career regular-season record | 26-29 |
| Career ERA | 4.12 |
| Career strikeouts | 441 |
| Career innings | 469.2 |
| 2020 World Series | Champion |
Dustin May’s MLB Career Journey
Joining the Dodgers
The Dodgers selected May in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He began his professional career in the organization’s minor league system and steadily moved through the levels.2
By 2019, May had become one of the organization’s top pitching prospects. He appeared for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City before receiving his first major league opportunity.
He made his MLB debut on August 2, 2019, against the San Diego Padres. May was only 21 years old at the time.
His debut did not produce a win, but his performance showed why the Dodgers were excited about his future.
May finished his first MLB season with a 3.63 ERA in 14 games, including four starts. He struck out 32 batters in 34.2 innings.
Breakout in 2020
The 2020 season was one of the most important early chapters of May’s career.
He went 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 12 games and made 10 starts. He also recorded a 1.09 WHIP and struck out 44 batters in 56 innings.
MLB ranked his ERA among the National League leaders for pitchers with at least 50 innings. May also became the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter that season after Clayton Kershaw was sidelined by an injury.
That was a major responsibility for such a young pitcher. His velocity made him particularly interesting. MLB reported that his four-seam fastball averaged 99.1 mph, the fastest among MLB pitchers who threw at least 250 four-seamers that season.
The Dodgers went on to win the World Series in 2020. May played a role in their postseason run and earned a World Series championship ring.
Injuries Changed His Career
May’s career took a difficult turn in 2021 when he suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The injury kept him out for a significant period and interrupted the momentum he had built during his first two seasons.
He returned to the Dodgers in 2022 but continued to deal with physical problems. Another serious arm injury in 2023 led to further surgery and another extended absence.
In 2024, May suffered another major setback when he underwent surgery to repair an esophageal tear. He had already been recovering from his arm injury and was unable to pitch during the 2024 season.
Those injuries explain why May’s career statistics do not fully reflect the potential he showed when he first reached Los Angeles.
Dustin May After the Dodgers
May’s Dodgers career eventually came to an end in 2025.3
The Dodgers traded him to the Boston Red Sox at the July 2025 trade deadline. At the time, May had returned from a lengthy absence and was again working as a starter.
ESPN described him as a dynamic right-hander who could throw a power sinker, sweeper and upper-90s fastball. After the 2025 season, May became a free agent.
He then signed with the St. Louis Cardinals before the 2026 season. ESPN reported that the deal was worth $12.5 million with a $20 million mutual option for 2027.
That move gave May another opportunity to establish himself as a reliable major league starter.
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Dustin May and the Brewers in 2026
May’s 2026 season took another turn when the Cardinals traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers on August 3.
The Brewers acquired May along with left-handed reliever JoJo Romero in exchange for outfielders Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale. The move placed May on a Brewers team with postseason ambitions.
During the 2026 regular season, May combined to make 31 starts and finished with a 7-9 record, a 4.70 ERA, 145.2 innings and 144 strikeouts.
His career totals entering the postseason stood at 26 wins, 29 losses, a 4.12 ERA and 441 strikeouts across 469.2 innings. May’s first postseason start for Milwaukee came against the San Diego Padres in NLDS Game 3.
The assignment was significant because May had previous postseason experience with the Dodgers. Brewers manager Pat Murphy trusted him in a closeout situation after Milwaukee took a 2-0 series lead.
MLB reported that May had also been successful against San Diego during the regular season. The Game 3 appearance did not produce the dominant performance May would have wanted.
He finished with three innings, three strikeouts and a 6.00 postseason ERA after that outing. Still, the fact that he was trusted with such an important playoff assignment shows how much value Milwaukee placed on his experience and pitching ability.
Dustin May’s Playing Style
May’s pitching style is one of the main reasons baseball fans continue to follow him. His height gives him a strong downhill angle toward the plate.
His fastball can reach the upper 90s and his sinker has significant movement. He has also used breaking pitches such as a sweeper to give hitters different looks.
His ability to mix velocity and movement can make him difficult to square up when his command is working.
One of the most notable things about May during his Dodgers years was his ability to generate high velocity without relying solely on a traditional four-seam fastball.
His sinker and other pitches gave him multiple ways to attack hitters. ESPN described him as a pitcher with a power sinker, sweeper and fastball capable of reaching the upper 90s.
The biggest question throughout his career has often been health. When May is healthy and his pitches are working, he has the stuff of a frontline starter.
The challenge has been maintaining that level over a full season.
Why Is Dustin May Trending?
Dustin May’s name is particularly relevant during the 2026 MLB postseason because of his role with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Although some searches may still describe him as a Dodgers pitcher because of his strong association with Los Angeles, May has moved on from the Dodgers.
His current team is Milwaukee. His postseason assignment against the Padres brought his name back into national baseball coverage.
MLB highlighted May’s Game 3 start and noted that his previous postseason experience with Los Angeles was one reason the Brewers trusted him in the important game.
His Dodgers history also makes him an easy player for casual baseball fans to recognize. May was part of the 2020 Dodgers championship team and was once viewed as one of the organization’s top young pitching prospects.
That combination of postseason baseball, a new team and a long Dodgers history helps explain why searches for Dustin May can spike when his name appears in major MLB storylines.
Dustin May Personal Life
May has generally kept his personal life away from the center of his public baseball career.
According to his MLB biography, he married his longtime girlfriend, Millie, during the 2022 offseason.
MLB also lists Justin, Texas, as his place of residence. Much of the public attention around May has remained focused on baseball.
His development as a pitcher, injuries, recovery and movement between MLB teams have been bigger parts of his public story than his private life.
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FAQ’s
Who is Dustin May?
Dustin May is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is a right-handed pitcher who originally became known with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is currently a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Is Dustin May still on the Dodgers?
No. Dustin May is no longer with the Dodgers. Los Angeles traded him to the Boston Red Sox in July 2025. He later signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in August 2026.
What team does Dustin May play for in 2026?
Dustin May plays for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2026. The Brewers acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals at the August 2026 trade deadline.
How old is Dustin May?
Dustin May was born on September 6, 1997. He is 29 years old as of October 2026.
Where was Dustin May born?
Dustin May was born in Justin, Texas. He also attended Northwest High School in Justin.
How tall is Dustin May?
Dustin May is listed at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.
Conclusion
Dustin May’s career has been anything but ordinary. The Texas native went from being a highly rated high school pitcher in Justin to becoming a third-round MLB Draft pick and one of the Dodgers’ most promising young arms.
His early years in Los Angeles showed just how much potential he possessed. He made his MLB debut at 21, produced a 2.57 ERA during the shortened 2020 season and helped the Dodgers win the World Series.
For fans discovering his name through current MLB trends, May’s story provides plenty of context. He is not simply a former Dodgers prospect.
He is a pitcher who has already experienced the highest level of postseason success and has had to overcome some of the toughest challenges an athlete can face. His next chapter with the Brewers could become another important part of that story.
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