Carson Kelly

Player Information

Carson Franklin Kelly is an American professional baseball catcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on July 14, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, he was raised in Beaverton, Oregon. After a standout amateur career at Westview High School, Kelly was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 2012 MLB draft, transitioning from a third base to a catcher role early in his career. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and became a well-regarded catcher, known for his defensive skills and ability to handle pitching staffs.
Full Name :
Carson Franklin Kelly
Birthdate :
14 July 1994
Birthplace :
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Gender :
Male
Nationality :
American
Parents :
Mike (Father), Traci (Mother)
Status :
Married
Partner :
Eloise
Education :
Westview High School (High School)
Career Started :
2016
Current Team :
Chicago Cubs
Previous Teams :
St. Louis Cardinals (From 2016, To 2018), Arizona Diamondbacks (From 2019, To 2023), Detroit Tigers (From 2023, To 2024), Texas Rangers (From 2024, To 2024)
Drafted :
2012
Drafted by :
St. Louis Cardinals
Active Status :
From - 2016, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2025, Salary $10,000,000 USD

Biography

Carson Kelly is a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball (MLB), having made his debut for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016. Over his career, he has played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers. With a career batting average of .229 and a standout 2025 season featuring a .290 average and 1.001 OPS, Kelly has shown consistent performance. His path also reflects personal growth and family values, revealing a layered life behind the athlete’s facade.

Early Life

Carson Kelly is a professional baseball player who developed a passion for the sport during his childhood.

As a young boy, he was a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan and looked up to baseball legend Derek Jeter, which inspired him to pursue a career in the game.

Kelly displayed his athletic talents by excelling in multiple sports throughout his youth before ultimately deciding to concentrate on baseball.

His commitment paid off when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the alternate round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft, marking a notable milestone in his path to becoming a major league player.

Family Life

Carson Kelly is a devoted family man who prioritizes quality time with his wife, Alex, and their son, Cooper.

He values family relationships as a meaningful accomplishment, endeavoring to balance his roles as a father and a professional athlete. Engaging in family-oriented activities and nurturing these bonds are central to his life philosophy, shaping his path both on and off the field.

Carson recognizes the importance of creating lasting memories with his family, which serves as a crucial support system throughout the challenges of his baseball career.

Career

Carson Kelly was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, making his Major League debut on September 5, 2016.

Throughout his 10-year MLB career, he has played for multiple teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers.

Kelly has accumulated a career batting average of .229, with 388 hits and 63 home runs, contributing to a career WAR of 6.0.

Importantly, in the 2025 season, he has excelled with a .290 batting average, a .412 on-base percentage, and a .589 slugging percentage, resulting in an impressive 1.001 OPS.

Net Worth

As of January 2025, Carson Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $18.36 million, primarily from his MLB career earnings.

Throughout his 10-year career, he has drawn notable salaries, including $5 million in 2025, $3.5 million in 2024, $1.5 million in 2023, $2.3 million in 2022, and $1.2 million in 2021.

His current two-year contract worth $11.5 million extends through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.

Kelly’s recent performance in the 2025 season, with a .290 batting average and 1.001 OPS, may further boost his market value and future earning potential.