The Baseball Division at BIP Wealth extends its warmest congratulations to every player selected in the 2026 MLB Draft this past weekend! We recognize that this accomplishment culminates years of hard work, sacrifice, and support from a lot of people behind the scenes, and every name called this weekend has certainly earned it.
We would also like to specifically congratulate multiple clients of the Baseball Division at BIP Wealth who were drafted this past weekend! We are honored to support you now and at every step throughout your baseball career and beyond. BIP’s 2026 draft class included several first-round picks and combined slot values for our drafted clients topped $37 million this year.
For these players, the work starts now. They’ll begin their professional baseball careers and work tirelessly to become the best players in the game. Within the next couple weeks, they’ll sign their Minor League Uniform Player Contracts, ship out to their organization’s complex facilities, complete physicals, perform media days, and put a professional baseball jersey on for the first time.
From there, they’ll start the process of working their way through the minor leagues, hopefully en route toward a big league debut—and for some, a shot at a championship. Each player will carve out their own unique path. We’re honored to help them navigate this exciting journey to fulfill a lifelong dream.
BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division is made up of former professional players. Our advisors have sat in the same clubhouses and faced the same questions the families we work with are facing now: what to do with a signing bonus, how to build a plan around a career that could last two years or twenty, and how to think about taxes across a schedule that changes states every few days. That perspective shapes how we work with clients from the moment NIL conversations start in college through the draft and into whatever comes after the game.
Draft day is the headline. The work that matters happens well before and long after it—from signing bonus and cash management before a rookie season starts, to tax planning across multiple states, estate planning, to the eventual transition out of the game. We are here for every step of a player’s career.
What is BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division? BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division is a team of financial advisors and wealth consultants who are former professional baseball players, providing wealth management, tax planning, estate planning, and NIL and signing bonus guidance to baseball players and their families.
How does BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division help players manage an MLB Draft signing bonus? We work with you to build a financial plan around a signing bonus that accounts for taxes, cash flow, and long-term savings, so a player’s bonus supports them well beyond their rookie season. We create a comprehensive plan to support the player’s goals for today and tomorrow.
Does BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division work with players before they’re drafted? Yes! Our Baseball Division advises many players during their high school and college careers, including NIL planning, so they have a financial foundation in place before the draft.
BIP Wealth, LLC (“BIP Wealth”) offers investment advisory services and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration with the SEC as a registered investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
BIP Wealth, recently named in the top 3 on Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2025 Best Places to Work List for medium-sized companies, is proud to welcome the addition of former Georgia Tech Baseball Coach Danny Hall as Vice President of Strategic Growth. Hall joins other Georgia Tech Alums at the firm, including BIP Co-Founders, Bill Harris and Mark Buffington.
Hall has long been connected to BIP Wealth, first through Randy Carroll, BIP’s Chairman, and has coached a total of 5 current BIP team members over the years who played baseball at Georgia Tech (Michael Sorrow, Kyle Schmidt, Chase Murray, Drew Byers, and John Giesler). Hall and his family have been clients of BIP’s Baseball Division since 2007 and had the privilege of having Jim Poole as their Personal Wealth Advisor before he succumbed to ALS in 2023.
“There was not a better human being on the face of the earth than Jim Poole,” said Hall. “He managed my family’s money and we never had to worry about a thing. We always knew we were getting the utmost care from Jim and the entire team at BIP Wealth and that has seamlessly continued on since Jim’s passing.”
During his career, Hall racked up 1,452 wins across 38 seasons as a head coach of which 32 seasons were spent at Georgia Tech. He ranked 10th in NCAA Division I history in career wins before deciding to step away from coaching after the 2025 season. While at Georgia Tech, Hall guided the team to 7 ACC regular-season championships, 5 ACC Tournament titles, 24 NCAA Tournament berths and 3 College World Series. Across 32 seasons, Hall saw 146 players selected in the Major League Draft, with 41 going on to play in the major leagues.
“Once I decided to retire, I wanted to pursue something that would keep me around the sports world and allow me to continue helping people like I did as a coach,” said Hall. “Joining the team at BIP Wealth was a natural transition and next step for me. I feel like a rookie all over again learning all about the possibilities BIP can create to help take care of our clients.”
Hall will be working alongside not only BIP’s Baseball Division, but all the other Advisors at the firm to help grow new business.
“As an Alumni of Georgia Tech Baseball myself, having Coach Hall join the team at BIP Wealth is an honor,” shared Co-Founder and CEO, Bill Harris, CFP®. “Watching the care and guidance that Danny has given to his players over the years, I have no doubt he will do the same for new clients at BIP in his new role. As BIP continues to grow our presence across the Southeast, I’m excited to have Danny representing the BIP brand everywhere he goes.”
Hall lives in Alpharetta with his wife of 32 years, Kara. They have two sons, Colin and Carter. Carter interned at BIP Wealth in the Baseball Division while he attended Georgia Tech. Both sons played baseball at Georgia Tech and still live in the Atlanta area.
Check out our official Press Release on PR Newswire here.
BIP Wealth, recently named on wealthmanagement.com’s RIA Edge 100, as well as the top 3 on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2023 Best Places to Work list for medium-sized companies, is proud to welcome the addition of former MLB outfielder Jeremy Hermida to its Baseball Division as Business Development Officer. Hermida joins former Pro Baseball players Kyle Schimdt, CFP®; John Hester, CFP®; and Chase Murray in the Baseball Division founded by former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Poole.
Hermida was the Marlins’ No. 1 draft pick (11th overall) in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft and one of the highest-rated minor league players throughout his 3-year ascent to the MLB. He went on to play professionally for 14 years, 6 of which were in the majors for the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres. He ended his professional playing career in 2015 in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.
Having Jim Poole as one of his personal and professional mentors for 7+ years, Hermida knew he wanted to be more involved with the Baseball Division at BIP Wealth. With his deep admiration and firsthand knowledge of the importance of having exquisite financial advice and guidance, it was an easy ‘yes’ for Hermida to move from being a client of BIP to joining the team. He considers his current role both an honor and a calling.
BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division provides investment management and sophisticated planning solutions geared towards the goals and objectives of draft-eligible, current, and retired professional baseball players and their families. Hermida is uniquely positioned to help guide clients through their journey of life on and off the field.
“BIP is in a class of its own when it comes to client care and expertise, and I am thrilled to be a part of the team,” said Hermida. “Being mentored by Jim Poole helped lead me to where I am today on the team. I started with a few private investment deals as a hobby and became more and more interested after my playing days. I’m so ready for this second career and the chance to take a more hands-on approach to guiding current and former players and their families as they prepare for the future.”
“Jeremy has been a part of the BIP Wealth family for the past 7 years as a client. We’re excited that he’s decided to take this next step in his post-playing life by joining our Baseball Division,” shared Bill Harris, CFP®, Co-Founder & CEO of BIP Wealth. “Jeremy has played baseball all over the world, so he knows first-hand the ups and downs of a professional career. His extensive playing experience and financial aptitude will be a strong addition to our team. The future success of BIP Wealth’s Baseball Divison just took a big step forward.”
Hermida lives in the Dunwoody area with his wife of 12 years, Lindsey, and their son and two daughters. Born and raised in Marietta, Hermida went and married a northern Jersey girl, so you can find them splitting their summer vacations between the south and the north.
Contact Jeremy: Jeremy Hermida, BIP Wealth Baseball Division, Business Development Officer
Press Contact: Jenni Brown, Chief Marketing Officer
So, what does 43 days mean for current and retired baseball pros? It is the total number of service days required to qualify for the MLB Pension Plan. The Major League Baseball Player’s Association battled hard to get it in place, so in this blog, we’ll be explaining why it’s important for players to take full advantage.
When the time comes for a player to retire from professional baseball, having access to a share of the MLB Pension Plan can go a long way, especially for those whose careers may have been cut short due to injury. So, what exactly is the MLB Pension Plan? How does it benefit players? And how can a partner like BIP Wealth help baseball players secure their financial future?
The MLB Pension Plan is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan, also known as a defined benefit plan. These types of plans provide retired professionals with a monthly payment based on a certain formula.
The MLB Pension Plan can be “turned on” as early as age 45, but by waiting until age 62, players would maximize their potential payouts. After hitting 43 days of service, which is defined as days spent on an active MLB roster or injured list, a player qualifies for 2.5% of the max payout. Every additional 43 days will accrue another 2.5% and so on until a player hits 10 years of service, which would qualify them for the max payout.
Currently, the average monthly MLB Pension Plan payout sits at around $7,500 per month, but those who wait until age 62 could top out at around $265,000 per year.
For young and active ballplayers, we recommend focusing on having the most successful and sustainable career possible, as this will directly impact your MLB Pension Plan qualifications. A partner like BIP Wealth will help you navigate the intricacies of your pension plan to better set you up for a successful financial future.
Once you enter your retirement years, our team will work to maximize your accumulated benefits and consider other savings methods, such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401k plans.
The upside of having an MLB pension plan goes further than just the obvious benefit of players receiving a guaranteed monthly payment. The money players receive lasts for life, giving them a consistent income to lean into as they enjoy retirement or search for new career opportunities. There is a cost-of-living adjustment with MLB Pension Plans, so payments will increase over time based on inflation.
A retirement plan for MLB players can also give them a sense of financial security for their later years off the playing field. Savings, unlike funds from a pension plan, can easily be spent before retirement, which has led to an unfortunate 78% of former professional athletes going broke within three years of retirement.
On top of all of this, there are also spousal benefits that can be earned through the MLB Pension Plan. This can significantly help beneficiaries achieve the peace of mind that they and their families will be taken care of for life.
At BIP Wealth, we want to make sure every professional baseball player we take on as a client maximizes their financial potential. To do this, we not only help them through their MLB Pension Plan process but also create unique, life-long financial plans that fit the needs of themselves and their families.
As former professional baseball players, our financial advisors have a unique insight into the MLB Pension Plan and how to best plan for what comes after their playing days. This allows us to provide a perspective that most other wealth managers can’t. We’ve been in a player’s shoes, and we can relate to a player’s financial needs and worries.
To learn more about our services and how you can maximize your career earnings, contact us to speak with one of our advisors. You can also schedule a time to talk with us on the phone or at one of our locations in Buckhead, Alpharetta, and Columbus GA, as well as Nashville, TN.
How much do MLB players get for pension?
Major League Baseball players receive 2.5% of their max monthly pension plan payout for every 43 days of active service. The annual pension payment increases (or decreases) based on federal guidelines and as of 2026, the maximum amount is $290,000 per year, if taken at 62 yrs old.
How much is a 10-year MLB pension?
Once a player officially hits 10 years of service, they are eligible for up to $290,000 per year (as of 2026) if they wait until age 62 to activate their pension plan.
What is your experience and expertise in working with professional athletes, particularly professional baseball players?
At BIP Wealth, our Baseball Division advisors have all been professional baseball players, allowing us to provide clients with a unique perspective that is hard to find anywhere else in the industry.
How can you help professional baseball players optimize their taxes and make the most of their earnings during their playing careers and beyond?
Beyond maximizing their MLB Pension Plans, we take the time to understand a player’s unique financial situation and needs, creating tailored financial plans that can include 401ks, IRAs, and more.
This communication contains general investing information that is not suitable for everyone and is subject to change without notice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and there is no guarantee that any views and opinions expressed will come to pass. The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized investment advice, tax advice, or financial planning advice, and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in the stock market and the bond market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Indices are not available for direct investment.
BIP Wealth, one of the Southeast’s premiere wealth management firms, announced the addition of Chase Murray to its Baseball Division as Business Development Officer. Murray, who played professionally in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, joins former Pro Ball Players Kyle Schimdt, CFP®, a former pitcher in the Orioles organization; and John Hester, CFP®, a former MLB catcher and professional scout; in the Baseball Division founded by former Major League Baseball relief pitcher Jim Poole.
BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division has extensive experience in wealth management geared towards the unique challenges and needs of ball players and their families. As a former player himself, Murray knows firsthand what his clients may face on and off the field.
Murray was previously a Global Enterprise Business Development Representative with Salesforce. He’s actively involved with his alma mater’s Alumni Association—Georgia Tech.
“We have a unique opportunity here at BIP Wealth’s Baseball Division to make a real impact in our clients’ lives from draft day to life after baseball,” said Murray. “Going through that transition myself to life off the field, I really enjoy being in a position to assist our current players and their familes as they make sound financial decisions for the future. I love being a resource to our clients, helping them in any way I can.”
“Adding Chase to our team has made an immediate impact,” said Kyle Schmidt, Personal Wealth Advisor, CFP® from the BIP Wealth Baseball Division. “As a fellow Yellow Jacket who played professional baseball, Chase, like few others, has walked this unique career path our clients are walking. He understands the opportunities, challenges, and complexities that come from playing the game we all love so much. We’re so excited to grow our team with the addition of Chase.”
Murray is based in Atlanta, GA, out of BIP’s Alpharetta office. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, including his girlfriend Jenny, and lively boxer puppy Lola. He also enjoys watching sports—especially football—and trying desperately to turn his baseball swing into a decent golf swing. The BIP Wealth Baseball Division serves draft-eligible, current, and retired professional baseball players and their families.
Contact Chase: Chase Murray, BIP Wealth Baseball Division, Business Development Officer
Press Contact: Jenni Brown, Chief Marketing Officer
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BIP Wealth Family,
As many of you know, our very own, Jim Poole, has been suffering from ALS over the last couple of years after being diagnosed in June 2021. It is with a heavy heart to let you know that Jim passed away last night.
His wife Kim was right next to him, holding him in her arms. She said he’s already organized a baseball game in heaven, so I can only imagine all the great players on both sides.
For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting or knowing Jim, he was one of the original investors in Buckhead Investment Partners, which became what you know today as BIP Wealth. He believed in the vision Mark Buffington and I shared and has continued to support us in so many ways over the years.
Jim came to work at BIP Wealth as a Portfolio Manager 14+ years ago with the idea to create a Baseball Division to reach current and former players like himself and their families. Over that time, he’s grown our Baseball Division to what it is today. Not only has he impacted the 100+ clients in our Baseball Division, but there’s another 150+ clients that showed up for the tailgate event we hosted last year, “ALS Night honoring Jim Poole” at the Georgia Tech baseball game.
His alma mater, Georgia Tech, wrote a beautiful tribute to Jim today on their website. You can read their post by clicking on the link below.
Kim and the rest of the Poole family appreciate all of the prayers and support over the last 2+ years, but we can’t stop now. Please continue to pray for the Poole family. Pray for peace, and pray for impact, as they continue to raise awareness about ALS.
If you would like to make a donation in Jim’s memory, Kim asked that contributions be made to the James R. “Jim” Poole Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund. No amount is too small.
If you want to donate to ALS research, ALS Cure Project and ALS.org of GA are the two organizations that Jim and Kim were most closely aligned.
One more thing…several of us got to visit Jim in Hospice yesterday, which was great to see him before his passing. When I walked into the room, he was sporting a bright red, white, and blue PHILLIES shirt. As many of you know, Jim was a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies’ fan, so in Jim’s honor, even though it pains me to say, “Go Phillies!”
[The Braves play the Phillies tonight in the playoffs, so this game will have special meaning thinking about Jim.]
Thank you for being a part of our BIP Wealth family,
—Bill Harris, Co-Founder + CEO, BIP Wealth
We’ve also included below a note written by Mark Buffington, CEO of BIP Capital and Managing Partner of BIP Ventures. Both Mark and I were very close to Jim and will continue to think of ways we can honor Jim moving forward…
This morning, I received the sad news that Jim Poole passed away.
For those who don’t know, Jim was one of the first to invest in Bill Harris and me in 2007 when we started Buckhead Investment Partners (now BIP Wealth). He was one of 10 people who believed in our vision and wrote a check to help us get started.
Jim wasn’t just an investor; he was deeply involved in BIP’s success from the outset.
I will miss Jim. I have missed him over the last year as the effects of ALS limited his ability to interact. But I am somewhat comforted by the fact that he is no longer suffering.
To me, Jim Poole will always be royalty at BIP. He took a chance on us and then nurtured our success. We should all try to emulate the example he set.
Godspeed, Jim.
And to the Poole family, my sincerest condolences.
Mark Buffington
CEO, BIP Capital
Managing Partner, BIP Ventures
