Brief Introduction of Alex Faedo
Alexander Michael Faedo is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. A native of Tampa, Florida, he is most recognized for his time with the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Faedo rose to national prominence during his collegiate career at the University of Florida, where he was a standout pitcher. He played a pivotal role in leading the Florida Gators to their first-ever NCAA College World Series championship in 2017, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award for his dominant performances. This collegiate success led to him being selected by the Detroit Tigers as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Alex Faedo Overview
| Full Name | Alexander Michael Faedo |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Famous For | Winning the 2017 College World Series and being named Most Outstanding Player. |
| Education | University of Florida |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse / Partner | Kelsey Faedo (née Barrett) |
| Children | Son (Luka), Daughter (Isabella) |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Alex Faedo
Alex Faedo was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, into a family with deep roots in baseball. His father, Landy Faedo, has been a long-time and successful high school baseball coach in the Tampa area, including at Braulio Alonso High School, where he coached his son. This environment fostered Alex’s passion and talent for the sport from a young age. His family’s baseball lineage also includes his second cousin, Lenny Faedo, a former shortstop for the Minnesota Twins. Faedo attended Braulio Alonso High School, where he excelled as a pitcher. As a junior, he threw a no-hitter and posted an 8-2 record with a 1.15 ERA. In his senior year, he was even more dominant, with a 6-2 record, a remarkable 0.58 ERA, and 68 strikeouts in just 48 innings pitched. His outstanding high school performance earned him First Team All-State honors and led to him being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 40th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. However, Faedo opted not to sign and instead pursued higher education and collegiate baseball at the University of Florida.
Alex Faedo Career
Early Career
Faedo’s decision to attend the University of Florida proved to be a significant step in his career. Playing for the Florida Gators, he quickly established himself as a key member of the pitching staff. In his freshman year in 2015, he started 12 games and finished with a 6-1 record and a 3.23 ERA. His sophomore season in 2016 was even more impressive, as he went 13-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 133 strikeouts, earning him national recognition and a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Following his stellar junior season and College World Series victory, the Detroit Tigers once again selected Faedo, this time as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He signed with the Tigers and began his professional journey in their minor league system. He started with the Lakeland Flying Tigers in 2018 and was later promoted to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. He returned to Erie for the 2019 season, posting a 3.90 ERA with 134 strikeouts. His development was temporarily halted in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breakthrough
The major breakthrough in Alex Faedo’s career came during the 2017 season with the Florida Gators. His performance throughout the regular season was exceptional, but it was his dominance in the College World Series that cemented his status as a top prospect. In two starts against TCU during the championship series, Faedo was nearly unhittable, pitching 14.1 scoreless innings while striking out 22 batters. This incredible display of skill and composure on college baseball’s biggest stage earned him the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award and led the Gators to their first national championship in program history. This achievement significantly boosted his draft stock, leading to his first-round selection by the Detroit Tigers. His professional breakthrough occurred on May 4, 2022, when he made his Major League Baseball debut for the Tigers against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He earned his first MLB win on May 22, 2022, against the Cleveland Guardians.
Major Achievements and Success
Faedo’s career is highlighted by significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His crowning achievement remains leading the University of Florida to the 2017 NCAA National Championship and being named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. In his junior year at Florida, he set a school record with 157 strikeouts for the season. Throughout his three years with the Gators, he compiled an impressive 28-6 record. After turning professional, Faedo progressed through the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and pitched in parts of three seasons for the Tigers (2022-2024). Over his MLB career, he has appeared in 64 games, starting 30 of them, and has recorded an 8-13 win-loss record with 157 strikeouts over 175.2 innings pitched.
Recent Work / Current Status
Faedo began the 2024 season in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen, serving primarily as a relief pitcher and occasionally as an opener. However, his season was cut short in August due to a right shoulder strain that placed him on the injured list for the remainder of the season. In early 2025, Faedo was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, his hometown team. Unfortunately, due to right shoulder inflammation, he was placed on the injured list before the season began and eventually underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in August, causing him to miss the entire season. In November, after being activated from the injured list, he was designated for assignment by the Rays, cleared waivers, and elected to become a free agent.
Alex Faedo Awards and Achievements
- 2017 College World Series Most Outstanding Player
- 2017 College World Series All-Tournament Team
- 2017 NCAA National Champion with the University of Florida
- 2017 Second Team All-American (ABCA/Rawlings, D1baseball.com, NCBWA)
- 2017 All-SEC Second Team
- 2016 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Member
- 2016 Second Team All-American (Perfect Game/Rawlings)
Alex Faedo Personal Life & Family
Alex Faedo comes from a close-knit, baseball-oriented family in Tampa, Florida. His father, Landy, has been a significant influence on his career, serving as his coach during his formative years at Alonso High School. His mother is Kristina Faedo. Faedo’s baseball roots extend to his second cousin, Lenny Faedo, who played shortstop in the major leagues. Faedo grew up as a fan of his hometown team, the Tampa Bay Rays, and has fond memories of attending their games at Tropicana Field.
Alex Faedo Relationship Details
Alex Faedo is married to Kelsey Faedo (formerly Barrett). The couple tied the knot in 2023. They have two children together: a son named Luka and a daughter named Isabella, who was born in August 2024. His family has been a constant source of support throughout his professional journey, and the trade to the hometown Tampa Bay Rays was a particularly joyous moment for them.
Alex Faedo Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Alex Faedo’s specific net worth is not publicly available. As a first-round draft pick in 2017, he signed with the Detroit Tigers for a reported bonus of $3.5 million. Throughout his MLB career, his salary has varied. For the 2024 season, he signed a one-year contract worth $746,600 with the Detroit Tigers. His career earnings are derived from his MLB contracts and signing bonus. Further details on endorsements or other business ventures are not disclosed.
Alex Faedo Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
- Weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Information not publicly available
Alex Faedo Controversies
No major controversies have been reported regarding Alex Faedo throughout his collegiate and professional career. He has maintained a reputation as a dedicated athlete focused on his performance and recovery from various injuries.
Alex Faedo Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Alex Faedo
- He was initially drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers in the 40th round in 2014 but chose to attend college instead.
- His father, Landy, coached current Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash when Cash was a high school player.
- Faedo grew up a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays and used to skip school to attend their Opening Day games.
- He has undergone several significant surgeries during his career, including procedures on both knees, Tommy John surgery, and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
Alex Faedo Legacy and Influence
Alex Faedo’s legacy is most profoundly felt at the University of Florida, where his heroic performance in the 2017 College World Series secured the program’s first-ever national title, an achievement that will be remembered in Gators history. His success serves as an inspiration for collegiate athletes aiming to perform at their best under pressure. In the professional ranks, his career has been a story of perseverance through significant injuries. Despite setbacks that have included Tommy John surgery and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Faedo has repeatedly worked his way back to the major league level. His journey highlights the physical and mental fortitude required to compete in professional baseball. While his full impact at the MLB level is still unfolding, his talent, highlighted by a plus slider, and his resilience in the face of adversity define his influence on the sport.
Final Words about Alex Faedo
Alex Faedo’s baseball journey is one of high achievement and significant challenges. From a standout high school player under his father’s coaching to a national champion and College World Series hero at the University of Florida, his early career was marked by exceptional success. As a first-round draft pick, he carried high expectations into his professional career with the Detroit Tigers. While his time in Major League Baseball has been punctuated by promising performances, it has also been a testament to his resilience, as he has battled through multiple serious injuries. Currently a free agent, Faedo continues to work towards returning to full health and making a lasting impact on a major league mound, embodying the perseverance and dedication of a professional athlete. His story is one of talent, family influence, and an unwavering fight against adversity.