Carson Franklin Kelly (born July 14, 1994) is an American professional baseball catcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his strong defensive skills and occasional power hitting, Kelly has had a notable career that has seen him play for several MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. His journey from a highly-touted high school prospect to a seasoned major leaguer has been marked by significant achievements and a reputation as a reliable presence behind the plate.
Carson Kelly Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carson Franklin Kelly |
| Nickname | Cars |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1994 |
| Age (as of Sept 2025) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Hometown/Raised | Beaverton, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Mike and Traci Kelly |
| Spouse | Eloise Kelly (married 2020) |
| Children | One son |
| Height | 6’1″, 6’2″ |
| Weight | 212 lbs, 220 lbs |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player (Catcher) |
| Bats / Throws | Right / Right |
| Current Team (2025) | Chicago Cubs |
| MLB Debut | September 5, 2016 |
| Net Worth (approx. as of 2025) | $12,466,661 |
| Agent | CAA Sports |
Early Life and Education of Carson Kelly
Carson Franklin Kelly was born on July 14, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Mike and Traci Kelly, who are both Chicago natives. His father worked as a Global Brand Marketing Director for Nike. Although born in Chicago, Kelly was primarily raised in Beaverton, Oregon, a suburb of Portland. During his childhood, around the age of 12, he and his family also briefly lived in Toronto.
Kelly developed a passion for baseball early, starting to play the sport at the age of four. While in Toronto, he also played hockey. He attended Stoller Middle School and Westview High School in Beaverton, Oregon, where he became a star player for the high school baseball team. Initially, he played in the infield and also pitched.
His high school career was highly decorated. In 2011, his junior year, he participated in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, a national high school all-star event. Kelly was recognized as the Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. He also earned gold medals in the 2011 World Youth Baseball Championship and an under-18 international tournament. Despite committing to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks at the University of Oregon, he ultimately signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after being drafted. He honored a promise to his parents to pursue a college education, taking courses from Oregon State University starting in the fall of 2012, with the Cardinals covering his tuition. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in the spring of 2018.
Carson Kelly’s Career
Carson Kelly’s professional baseball career began when he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (86th overall) of the 2012 MLB draft as a third baseman. He signed with the Cardinals, receiving a $1.6 million signing bonus, and commenced his professional journey with the Johnson City Cardinals in the Rookie-level Appalachian League that year. He batted .225 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs in 56 games.
A significant turning point in Kelly’s development came in his second professional season, 2014, when he transitioned from third base to catcher. This move proved instrumental for his career. He quickly excelled in his new role, earning the 2015 minor leagues Rawlings Gold Glove Award for catchers while playing for the Palm Beach Cardinals, leading all Florida State League catchers with a .996 fielding percentage and throwing out 36.0% of attempted base stealers. Baseball America twice named him St. Louis’s best defensive catcher and ranked him among the Cardinals’ top prospects.
Kelly made his MLB debut on September 5, 2016, for the St. Louis Cardinals, doubling in his first at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He saw limited playing time with the Cardinals from 2016 to 2018, often serving as a backup to Yadier Molina and spending significant time in the minor leagues with the Springfield Cardinals (Double-A) and Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A). In 2016, he was named the Cardinals’ Minor League Player of the Year.
In December 2018, Kelly was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a move that allowed him to become a starting catcher in 2019. That season, he had a breakout performance, batting .245 with 18 home runs and 47 RBIs over 111 games, tying Miguel Montero’s Diamondbacks record for the most home runs hit by a catcher in a single season. Despite facing injuries, including a toe fracture and a wrist fracture in 2021, and a fractured right forearm in 2023, he remained a key part of the Diamondbacks’ roster until 2023. He played in 104 games for the Diamondbacks in 2022, batting .211/.282/.334 with seven home runs and 35 RBI.
In August 2023, Kelly signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he played through the 2024 season. He appeared in 60 contests for the Tigers in 2024, hitting .240/.325/.391 with seven home runs and 29 RBI. On July 28, 2024, the Tigers traded Kelly to the Texas Rangers, where he played 31 games.
As of the 2025 season, Carson Kelly is playing for the Chicago Cubs, having signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2027. His tenure with the Cubs started with a historic moment: on March 31, 2025, in only his third game with the team, he hit for the cycle in an 18-3 victory against the Athletics. This achievement made him the first Cub to hit for the cycle since Mark Grace in 1993 and the first player in MLB history to achieve the feat in March. He has been a significant contributor to the Cubs in 2025, showing strong offensive production and receiving consideration for the All-Star Game by June 2025. On September 1, 2025, Kelly delivered a game-ending single in the 10th inning to give the Cubs a 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves, after hitting a tying two-run homer in the eighth inning.
Carson Kelly Personal Life & Family
Carson Kelly maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details have been shared publicly. He is married to Eloise Kelly, whom he wed in 2020. Together, they have a toddler son. Kelly has expressed that having his wife and son has been his biggest accomplishment, emphasizing how they have positively changed his life. Family plays a crucial role for him, especially given the demands of a professional baseball schedule, making time with his family a priority during his off-time.
His younger brother, Parker Kelly, also pursued a baseball career, playing college baseball for the University of Oregon and being drafted by the Cardinals in the 20th round of the 2018 MLB draft. Parker played two seasons in the minor leagues before moving to independent league baseball. Outside of baseball, Carson Kelly is an avid golfer. He participated in the 2020 Waste Management Pro Am. He enjoys trying new coffee shops and is generally open to learning from different people’s stories and experiences. His personal philosophy revolves around continuous learning, vulnerability, and openness to new experiences, believing that “when you stop learning, you stop growing and you age quicker”.
Awards and Achievements of Carson Kelly
Carson Kelly’s career, from his amateur days to the major leagues, has been marked by a series of notable awards and achievements, reflecting his talent and dedication to baseball.
Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year: 2011, 2012
World Youth Baseball Championship Gold Medal: 2011
Under-18 International Tournament Gold Medal: 2011
Minor League Rawlings Gold Glove Award (Catcher): 2015
Texas League All-Star Game Selection: 2016
All-Star Futures Game Selection: 2016
St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year: 2016
Pacific Coast League All-Star Team (Starting Catcher): 2017
Arizona Diamondbacks Single-Season Record (Catcher Home Runs): 18 home runs (tied with Miguel Montero), 2019
Arizona Diamondbacks “Good Guy Award”: 2022 (from the Arizona chapter of the BBWAA)
Hit for the Cycle: March 31, 2025 (first Cub since 1993, first MLB player to cycle in March)
Carson Kelly Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Carson Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $12,466,661. His primary source of income stems from his professional baseball contracts.
In 2025, Kelly is earning a base salary of $5,000,000, as part of a two-year, $11.5 million contract he signed with the Chicago Cubs. This deal includes $11.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $5,750,000. His contract also features a $7.5 million mutual option for 2027, with a $1.5 million buyout should the option be declined. Additionally, his contract includes performance bonuses: he can earn an additional $250,000 if he starts 81 games and another $250,000 for 91 starts.
Earlier in his career, he signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers in August 2023, which included a club option for the 2024 season worth $3.5 million. In January 2023, he avoided salary arbitration with the Diamondbacks by agreeing to a one-year, $4.275 million contract. These figures contribute to his career earnings and overall net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Carson Kelly’s legacy in baseball is shaped by his evolution as a player and his impact on the teams he has represented. Initially drafted as a third baseman, his successful conversion to catcher underscored his adaptability and commitment to his craft, becoming a model for positional transitions in professional baseball. His defensive prowess behind the plate, highlighted by a minor league Gold Glove Award and consistent praise for his catching abilities, established him as a reliable and skilled backstop.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Kelly has shown flashes of significant offensive power, particularly during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he tied a franchise record for home runs by a catcher in a single season. His recent historic “cycle” achievement with the Chicago Cubs in March 2025 further cemented his place in MLB lore, demonstrating his capability for rare and impressive offensive outbursts.
Kelly’s public image is generally positive, often praised for his work ethic and leadership. He received the “Good Guy Award” from the Arizona chapter of the BBWAA in 2022, recognizing his positive relationship with the media. Off the field, his dedication to his family and his philosophical approach to continuous learning contribute to a well-rounded public persona. He is seen as a player who values the journey and the lessons learned, embodying resilience through injuries and career changes. His influence extends to younger players through his experience and mentorship, particularly as an experienced catcher guiding pitching staffs.
Interesting Facts about Carson Kelly
Chicago Roots, Cubs Fan: Despite playing for several teams, Carson Kelly was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up as a fan of the Chicago Cubs, the team he now plays for in 2025.
Derek Jeter Fan: His favorite baseball player growing up was New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who “always seemed to find a way to win”.
Multi-Sport Athlete: Before focusing primarily on baseball, Kelly also played hockey during his brief time living in Toronto as a child.
Positional Switch: He was originally drafted as a third baseman by the St. Louis Cardinals but successfully converted to a catcher early in his professional career, a move that proved pivotal for his MLB future.
Rawlings Gold Glove Winner (Minors): He won a minor league Rawlings Gold Glove Award for catchers in 2015, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills early on.
College Education: Although he signed a professional contract out of high school, Kelly honored a promise to his parents and pursued a college education, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oregon State University in 2018.
Historic Cycle: On March 31, 2025, he achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming the first Chicago Cubs player to do so since 1993 and the first player in MLB history to accomplish it in the month of March. He humorously noted in an interview that the odds were not in his favor for a triple, having only two prior in his career at-bats.
Avid Golfer: In his off-time, Kelly enjoys playing golf.
Controversies
Carson Kelly’s professional career has largely been free of significant controversies. Any challenges he has faced have primarily revolved around injuries, which are common in professional sports. He has sustained multiple broken bones throughout his career, including a toe fracture, wrist fracture, and a fractured right forearm. These injuries have led to stints on the injured list and periods away from the game. Kelly has publicly reflected on these setbacks, stating that “it’s made me a better person and a better player”. These experiences, while challenging, are viewed as part of his growth as an athlete rather than controversies.
Social Media Presence
Carson Kelly maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and glimpses into his personal life.
Instagram: While specific follower counts fluctuate, professional athletes often use Instagram for sharing photos and updates. As of September 2025, his Instagram presence is used to share personal moments, including heartwarming family portraits with his wife and child.
* Twitter/X: Carson Kelly also has a presence on Twitter (now X). While the exact follower count is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, he is mentioned in trending topics and discussions related to baseball.
Final Words about Carson Kelly
Carson Kelly has carved out a respectable career in Major League Baseball, evolving from a promising high school infielder to a consistent and defensively skilled catcher. His journey has been defined by resilience, marked by a pivotal positional change early in his career and a determination to overcome various injuries. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, Kelly is a valued member of the Chicago Cubs, contributing significantly with his defensive capabilities and flashes of offensive power. His historic cycle in March 2025 underscored his ability to produce memorable moments on the field.
Derek Jeter Fan: His favorite baseball player growing up was New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who “always seemed to find a way to win”.
Multi-Sport Athlete: Before focusing primarily on baseball, Kelly also played hockey during his brief time living in Toronto as a child.
Positional Switch: He was originally drafted as a third baseman by the St. Louis Cardinals but successfully converted to a catcher early in his professional career, a move that proved pivotal for his MLB future.
Rawlings Gold Glove Winner (Minors): He won a minor league Rawlings Gold Glove Award for catchers in 2015, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills early on.
College Education: Although he signed a professional contract out of high school, Kelly honored a promise to his parents and pursued a college education, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oregon State University in 2018.
Historic Cycle: On March 31, 2025, he achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming the first Chicago Cubs player to do so since 1993 and the first player in MLB history to accomplish it in the month of March. He humorously noted in an interview that the odds were not in his favor for a triple, having only two prior in his career at-bats.
Avid Golfer: In his off-time, Kelly enjoys playing golf.
Controversies
Carson Kelly’s professional career has largely been free of significant controversies. Any challenges he has faced have primarily revolved around injuries, which are common in professional sports. He has sustained multiple broken bones throughout his career, including a toe fracture, wrist fracture, and a fractured right forearm. These injuries have led to stints on the injured list and periods away from the game. Kelly has publicly reflected on these setbacks, stating that “it’s made me a better person and a better player”. These experiences, while challenging, are viewed as part of his growth as an athlete rather than controversies.
Social Media Presence
Carson Kelly maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and glimpses into his personal life.
Instagram: While specific follower counts fluctuate, professional athletes often use Instagram for sharing photos and updates. As of September 2025, his Instagram presence is used to share personal moments, including heartwarming family portraits with his wife and child.Social Media Presence
Carson Kelly maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and glimpses into his personal life.
* Twitter/X: Carson Kelly also has a presence on Twitter (now X). While the exact follower count is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, he is mentioned in trending topics and discussions related to baseball.
Final Words about Carson Kelly
Carson Kelly has carved out a respectable career in Major League Baseball, evolving from a promising high school infielder to a consistent and defensively skilled catcher. His journey has been defined by resilience, marked by a pivotal positional change early in his career and a determination to overcome various injuries. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, Kelly is a valued member of the Chicago Cubs, contributing significantly with his defensive capabilities and flashes of offensive power. His historic cycle in March 2025 underscored his ability to produce memorable moments on the field.
Looking ahead, Carson Kelly is under contract with the Cubs through 2026, with a mutual option for 2027, positioning him as a key component of the team’s plans. His legacy will likely be remembered for his unwavering commitment to learning and adapting, his strong leadership behind the plate, and his consistent “good guy” image among teammates and media. Beyond the diamond, his dedication to his family serves as a testament to his values, highlighting a well-rounded individual whose impact extends beyond statistics and game-winning plays. With a continued focus on consistency and growth, Carson Kelly is poised to further solidify his place in baseball history.
