Kevin Newman – Los Angeles Angels Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Kevin Newman has put together a steady career as a versatile infielder in Major League Baseball. The former first-round draft pick now plays for the Los Angeles Angels after agreeing to a one-year, $2.75 million contract for the 2024 season.

His journey has taken him through the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds before he landed with the Angels.

Newman’s current salary of $2.75 million bumps his estimated net worth to over $8 million, all from his baseball earnings. After impressing at the University of Arizona, Newman found his niche as a reliable defensive player, able to cover multiple infield spots at the major league level.

Sure, he’s faced some ups and downs, but Newman keeps finding ways to adapt. In late 2023, he signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had just won the National League, before heading to the Angels for 2024.

Teams keep finding value in his defensive stability and infield depth.

Early Life and Background

Kevin Newman’s journey to professional baseball really began in California, with his formative years and his time at the University of Arizona. He developed the skills there that eventually got him to Major League Baseball.

Childhood and Education

Kevin Bradley Newman was born on August 4, 1993, in Poway, California. Growing up near San Diego, he got into baseball early—no surprise for a region that’s produced plenty of talent.

His athleticism stood out during youth baseball, where people started to notice his sharp hand-eye coordination and fielding.

At Poway High School, Newman made a name for himself as a standout shortstop. Coaches and scouts praised his defense and his steady hitting.

His approach at the plate and his fielding mechanics caught the eyes of college scouts.

Newman’s mix of academic and athletic skills opened doors at the college level and set him up for a shot at pro baseball.

Beginnings in Arizona

Newman’s college career at the University of Arizona really changed things for him. From 2013 to 2015, he became one of the top shortstops in college baseball, known for contact hitting and solid defense.

He even made baseball history by winning back-to-back batting titles in the Cape Cod League in 2013 and 2014. That’s not something you see every day, and it definitely got MLB scouts’ attention.

His strong play at Arizona led to the Pittsburgh Pirates picking him 19th overall in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft.

Newman’s stats and steady glove made him a coveted prospect and set up the next chapter of his career.

Professional Baseball Career

Kevin Newman has become a versatile infielder during his time in Major League Baseball. He’s played for a few different teams, always showing off his defensive skills and contact hitting.

MLB Debut and Early Achievements

Kevin Newman debuted in the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 16, 2018. As the 19th pick in the 2015 draft, people expected a lot from the University of Arizona standout.

In 2019, Newman had an impressive rookie season. He hit .308, stole 12 bases, and scored 61 runs. That year, he really established himself as a contact hitter, striking out just 11.7% of the time.

He didn’t just stick to shortstop—Newman also filled in at second and even third base when needed. That flexibility made him a valuable utility infielder.

Early on, Newman made a name for himself by getting on base, not for hitting home runs. He stuck to a contact-first approach at the plate.

Key Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds

Newman spent his first four MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2018-2022). He became their starting shortstop, showing off his reliable glove, though his offense dipped in 2020 and 2021.

In 2023, he joined the Cincinnati Reds, playing with TJ Friedl. Newman mainly served as a utility infielder, appearing in 74 games and hitting .259.

For the 2024 season, he signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move brought him back to Arizona, where he’d starred in college.

Now, Newman’s with the Los Angeles Angels, playing under a one-year, $2.75 million contract for 2025.

Memorable Home Runs and Highlights

Newman isn’t really known for his power, but he’s had some memorable moments at the plate. He hit his first career home run on April 6, 2019, against the Reds—a pretty big milestone.

On August 16, 2019, one year after his MLB debut, he went 4-for-4 with a home run against the Cubs. That game showed his potential with the bat.

His inside-the-park homer against the Brewers in 2019 stands out. Newman sprinted around the bases in just over 15 seconds—pretty wild to watch.

He’s also made some highlight-reel plays in the field, especially in 2019, when he made several diving stops at shortstop and committed only 8 errors in 123 games.

Collaborations and Connections

Newman has built strong relationships with teammates and coaches over the years. While with the Reds, he and TJ Friedl often worked together on pre-game fielding drills.

His Arizona ties run deep. As a former Wildcat, he keeps in touch with the University of Arizona baseball program. That connection probably played a role in his decision to sign with the Diamondbacks in 2024.

Several hitting coaches have influenced his approach at the plate, especially during his time with the Pirates. Managers often praise his knack for making contact.

In Cincinnati, Newman mentored younger infielders, sharing tips on positioning and approach. His baseball IQ and knowledge of defensive alignments have made him a respected figure in the clubhouse.

Contract Details and Salary Insights

Kevin Newman’s financial journey in Major League Baseball really mirrors his career path, from first-round pick to established infielder. His contract history shows how his salary has changed as he’s moved between teams. His latest deal is with the Los Angeles Angels.

Initial Contract and Draft Signing

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Newman in the first round (19th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft. As a top collegiate shortstop from Arizona, he got a sizable signing bonus to kick off his pro career.

The Pirates put their faith in Newman with a contract that included a big signing bonus, and he started out in their minor league system.

After working his way up, Newman made his MLB debut in 2018 and began earning the league minimum under his rookie contract.

Base Salary Components

Newman’s base salary has changed a lot over the years. His most recent contract is a big jump from his early days.

After a few seasons with the Pirates, Newman’s market value grew. He’s now playing under a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

For 2025, his base salary sits at $2.5 million, which makes up the bulk of his earnings.

Earlier reports show his 2024 salary was about $2.66 million, so his earning power has stayed pretty steady.

Newman’s salary reflects his value as a versatile, experienced infielder.

Bonuses and Incentives

Besides his base salary, Newman’s contract includes performance incentives and possible bonuses. If he hits certain achievements or playing time marks, he can earn more.

His deal with the Angels includes performance bonuses on top of his $2.5 million base.

When he signed that minor-league deal with the Diamondbacks, he would have earned $1.75 million if he made the big league roster, plus some extra incentives.

MLB contracts often include:

• Playing time bonuses (like plate appearances or games played)
• Performance metrics (batting average, on-base percentage)
• Award bonuses (All-Star, Gold Glove, etc.)

So, Newman’s total earnings can go up if he meets those targets.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Kevin Newman’s financial standing mostly comes from his MLB salary, with his contracts playing a big part in his current net worth. His baseball income is the main source of his wealth, but there are a few other factors in the mix.

Net Worth Estimates

Kevin Newman’s net worth is estimated around $8.3 million as of 2025. That figure comes from his career earnings with several MLB teams.

He’s seen his wealth grow steadily since his MLB debut, especially as he’s landed bigger contracts in recent years.

Newman sits in the middle tier of active MLB players when it comes to net worth. He’s not a superstar, but he’s done well for himself as a reliable utility infielder.

Endorsements and Additional Income

Unlike some MLB stars, Newman keeps a low profile, so he doesn’t have many endorsements. His sponsorships are pretty modest compared to the game’s biggest names.

He’s focused more on his on-field earnings than chasing commercial deals. That seems to fit his straightforward playing style and low-key personality.

Any extra income probably comes from the usual player appearances, a few local endorsements, and maybe some investments. Like a lot of athletes, he probably has financial advisors helping him plan for the long haul.

Impact of Contracts on Wealth

Newman’s biggest financial milestone so far came when he signed a $2.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, including $2.5 million in guaranteed salary.

Before that, he earned $2.66 million in previous contracts, gradually building his financial base. His earnings show the usual progression for a utility infielder in MLB’s salary structure.

Timing has played a big role in Newman’s wealth. By signing multi-million dollar deals during his prime, he’s set himself up for financial security even after his playing days.

His contract history shows how consistent MLB roster spots and smart career moves can help even non-superstars build real wealth.

Personal Life and Interests

Off the field, Kevin Newman tries to keep things balanced. He spends time with family, has his own style, gets involved in charity work, and follows some tech trends that shape who he is away from baseball.

Lifestyle and Fashion

Newman lives with his wife, Shayne, in Chandler, Arizona. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in January 2021.

The family seems to love the warm Arizona weather, which honestly makes sense if you know Newman’s Southern California roots in Poway. It’s not hard to picture them soaking up the sunshine year-round.

When he’s off the field, Newman usually goes for casual, pretty understated clothes. Every now and then, he’ll mix in something trendy, but nothing too flashy.

Sometimes he gets spotted in designer brands on team travel days. Still, he keeps things a lot more low-key than a few of his more flamboyant teammates.

His style really lines up with his personality—practical, comfortable, and fitting for a guy juggling pro baseball and new dad life.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Newman likes to give back, and he’s shown that throughout his MLB career. He joined in on the Pirates’ community efforts when he played in Pittsburgh, especially youth baseball clinics aimed at kids in underserved neighborhoods.

After he joined the Los Angeles Angels, Newman started to get involved with community projects in Southern California. He seems especially interested in supporting military families, though he doesn’t really broadcast his charity work.

Former teammates often mention how much Newman enjoys connecting with fans, especially young players who look up to him. His way of giving back feels a lot like his playing style—steady, dependable, and never about grabbing attention.

Technology and Entertainment Interests

Like a lot of players from his generation, Newman really gets into technology—not just for fun, but to boost his game. He actually uses advanced metrics and video analysis himself to sharpen his fielding and tweak his batting.

When the baseball season drags on, Newman looks for balance and unwinds with entertainment. He likes streaming the latest shows and jumps into video games whenever he can.

Teammates say he gets especially fired up about racing games on those long team road trips. Apparently, he’s tough to beat.

As an Arizona Wildcats alum, Newman keeps up with college sports and checks in on his alma mater’s teams pretty often.

When it comes to movies, he leans toward action flicks and sports documentaries. Those give him a break from the grind, but maybe also a little extra motivation when the MLB season gets tough.