Brief Introduction of Ryan Kreidler
Ryan Michael Kreidler is an American professional baseball utility player for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 12, 1997, in Davis, California, he is known for his defensive versatility and athleticism. Kreidler played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Tigers in 2022. His journey through the minor leagues was marked by a significant power surge, establishing him as a noteworthy prospect in professional baseball. His father, Mark Kreidler, is a well-known sports writer and author.
Ryan Kreidler Overview
| Full Name | Ryan Michael Kreidler |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Davis, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Utility Player |
| Famous For | Playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Spouse / Partner | Gigi |
| Children | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Ryan Kreidler
Ryan Kreidler was born on November 12, 1997, in Davis, California, to parents Mark and Colleen Kreidler. His father, Mark, is a sports writer and author, which exposed Ryan to the world of athletics from a young age. He grew up with an older brother named Pat. Kreidler attended Davis High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both baseball and basketball. On the baseball diamond, he was a four-year varsity letterwinner under head coach Dan Ariola. His defensive skills earned him a reputation as one of the best defenders on the West Coast even during his high school years. In 2016, he was named to the MaxPreps California Large Schools All-State Baseball Team.
Despite being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Kreidler opted not to sign and instead pursued higher education. He enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins from 2017 to 2019. During his time at UCLA, he was a three-year starter, primarily playing shortstop and third base. As a junior in 2019, he had a breakout season, setting career highs in several offensive categories and earning All-Pac-12 honors. That year, he was part of a historic UCLA team that won a school-record 52 games. In the summer of 2018, he also played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Ryan Kreidler Career
Early Career
Ryan Kreidler’s professional journey began after he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Tigers and made his professional debut with the Single-A Connecticut Tigers, where he batted .232 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in 60 games. The following year, the minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a common challenge for many prospects during that time. He spent 2020 at the Tigers’ alternate training site, continuing his development despite the lack of official games.
Breakthrough
The 2021 season marked a significant breakthrough for Kreidler. He began the year with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves and showcased a surprising power surge, hitting 22 home runs and recording 58 RBIs between Erie and the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. This performance established him as one of the fastest-rising prospects in the Tigers’ organization. His success continued in Triple-A, where he demonstrated a strong ability to adjust to a higher level of pitching. His improved hitting, combined with his already stellar defense, put him firmly on the radar for a major league call-up.
Major Achievements and Success
On September 1, 2022, the Detroit Tigers selected Kreidler to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 2022, against the Kansas City Royals. He recorded his first major league hit the very next day. A memorable moment from his rookie season came on September 7, when he hit his first career home run, a game-winner in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels. In 2023, he was named to the Tigers’ Opening Day roster.
Recent Work / Current Status
Kreidler’s recent career has seen him move between the major and minor leagues. He was part of the Tigers’ Opening Day roster again in 2025 but was later optioned to Triple-A Toledo. In August 2025, the Tigers designated him for assignment, and he was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His time with the Pirates organization was brief, and he was again designated for assignment. The Minnesota Twins then claimed Kreidler off waivers, and he is currently competing for a role with the team. In March, he was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul.
Ryan Kreidler Awards and Achievements
- 2019 Pac-12 All-Conference Team
- 2016 MaxPreps California Large Schools All-State Baseball Team
- 2021 Detroit Tigers Organization All-Star by MiLB.com
Ryan Kreidler Personal Life & Family
Ryan Kreidler’s family has a strong connection to sports. His father, Mark Kreidler, is a sports writer and author, and his mother’s name is Colleen. His parents have been very supportive of his baseball career, frequently attending his games from his college days at UCLA to his professional career. He has an older brother named Pat. In his personal life, Kreidler is engaged to his fiancée, Gigi. His interests outside of baseball include playing basketball and listening to hip-hop music.
Ryan Kreidler Relationship Details
Ryan Kreidler is in a relationship with his fiancée, Gigi. Further details about their relationship timeline and her profession are not publicly available.
Ryan Kreidler Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Ryan Kreidler’s net worth is not publicly available. As a professional baseball player, his income is derived from his MLB salary and any potential endorsements. His career earnings through the 2026 season are reported to be over $1 million. Specific details about his salary are not disclosed.
Ryan Kreidler Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
- Weight: 208 lbs (94 kg)
- Eye Color: Not publicly available
- Hair Color: Not publicly available
Ryan Kreidler Controversies
No major controversies have been reported involving Ryan Kreidler.
Ryan Kreidler Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @ryankreidler
- Twitter – @RyanKreidler
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Ryan Kreidler
- He was initially drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2016 but chose to attend UCLA instead.
- His father, Mark Kreidler, is a notable sports writer and author.
- He was part of a record-setting 13-player draft class from UCLA in 2019.
- In high school, he played basketball against fellow future Detroit Tigers prospect Matt Manning.
- He made a defensive play at third base for UCLA that was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 on March 19, 2017.
Ryan Kreidler Legacy and Influence
While still in the relatively early stages of his major league career, Ryan Kreidler is known for his exceptional defensive skills and versatility, being able to play multiple infield and outfield positions. His breakout power-hitting season in the minor leagues demonstrated his potential to be a two-way contributor. He is part of a wave of talented players to come out of the successful UCLA baseball program under coach John Savage, becoming the 90th player from the university to reach the major leagues. His journey of developing his offensive game to complement his defensive prowess serves as an example of perseverance and hard work for aspiring baseball players.
Final Words about Ryan Kreidler
Ryan Kreidler is a talented and determined professional baseball player who has reached the highest level of the sport through hard work and dedication. From being a defensively gifted high school athlete in California to a power-hitting prospect in the minor leagues, he has continuously evolved his game. His journey to the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers and his current endeavor with the Minnesota Twins highlight the competitive nature of professional baseball. With his defensive versatility and the potential for a powerful bat, Ryan Kreidler’s career will be one to watch as he continues to compete for a lasting place in Major League Baseball.