Austin Shenton – Seattle Mariners Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Austin Shenton has made a name for himself as an infielder with the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners picked him in the fifth round of the 2019 draft after he played at Florida International University.

Right now, the 27-year-old takes home a $50,000 salary for the 2025 season. That pushes his estimated net worth to around $336,600.

Shenton was born on January 22, 1998, in Spokane. His career has taken some interesting turns. The Tampa Bay Rays brought him in through a trade from Seattle back in July 2021.

The Rays then selected his contract from the Durham Bulls in November 2023. Later, he found his way back to the Mariners.

Shenton’s career really shows how unpredictable baseball can be. His contract details and current status with the Mariners keep fans curious about his next steps.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Austin Shenton’s baseball journey started with a supportive family and grew through impressive high school and college play. Those early experiences shaped the third baseman who would reach the big leagues.

Background and Upbringing

Shenton was born on January 22, 1998, in Spokane, Washington. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he soaked up the region’s strong baseball culture.

His family always encouraged his love for the game. They saw his natural talent early on and backed his dreams.

Shenton eventually grew to 6 feet tall and filled out to a solid 205 pounds. His left-handed swing, not that common for third basemen, set him apart.

As a kid, he worked on the basics—hitting for both power and average. He also built solid defensive skills at third base.

High School Baseball Achievements

Shenton played at Bellingham High School in Washington. He quickly became a standout, showing off strong hitting and a mature approach at the plate.

His high school numbers were eye-catching:

• Batting average: Over .400, year after year
• All-Conference selections: Multiple times
• Team leadership: Served as captain his senior year

He picked up several regional awards and recognition as one of the top prospects in Washington. Big performances in key tournaments boosted his profile with college coaches and pro scouts.

Even though MLB scouts noticed him in high school, Shenton chose to play college baseball. He wanted to keep developing and get an education.

Collegiate Baseball Career

Shenton started out at Bellevue College before transferring to Florida International University (FIU). At FIU, he kept improving as a hitter and worked on his defense at third.

He showed steady, reliable hitting for the FIU Panthers. Coaches and teammates noticed his power and contact skills.

Shenton stood out for his:

• Advanced approach at the plate
• Improved defensive versatility (third base, first base, left field)
• Leadership qualities

The Seattle Mariners drafted Shenton in the fifth round (156th overall) in 2019. His college years set him up well for pro ball, building on what he learned in Washington.

Professional Baseball Journey

Austin Shenton’s pro career has involved team changes, learning new positions, and steady growth. His path from draft day to the big leagues shows his adaptability and drive.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Seattle Mariners picked Shenton in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of FIU. He signed and jumped into minor league baseball right away.

He started with the Everett AquaSox in Short-Season A ball. There, he impressed with his bat and plate discipline.

After Everett, the Mariners moved him up to the West Virginia Power in Class A. That quick promotion showed they believed in his potential.

Tenure with Mariners Organization

During his first run with the Mariners, Shenton became one of their more promising infield prospects. He kept moving up through the minor leagues.

The Mariners liked his bat—a good mix of contact and developing power. His progress earned him some attention in the team’s prospect rankings.

Eventually, the Mariners traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays. That move put him in a new system and a different environment.

Later, Shenton made his way back to the Mariners after another trade. That reunion added an unexpected twist to his story.

Position Flexibility: First Base and Third Base

Shenton’s ability to play more than one position has become a big part of his game. He’s mainly a third baseman, but he can handle first base too.

That kind of versatility makes him valuable. Teams appreciate players who can fill in at different spots.

At third, Shenton has worked hard to improve his range and arm strength. His time at first base has helped him become a reliable defender there too.

Managers like having options, and Shenton gives them flexibility when they need to adjust the lineup.

Trades and Market Movement

Trades have played a major role in Shenton’s career. The Mariners first dealt him to the Rays, where he got to learn a new system.

With the Rays, Shenton kept working in the minors. He eventually made his MLB debut on March 31.

While with Tampa Bay, he played in 19 MLB games. He hit .214 with five doubles, a homer, and three RBIs. That stretch gave him a taste of the majors.

The Mariners brought Shenton back in a trade with the Rays. Coming back to Seattle gave him a fresh start with more experience.

Now, at 26 and with a contract around $336,600, Shenton wants to finally stick at the MLB level with the team that drafted him.

Austin Shenton’s Contract Details

Austin Shenton’s contract reflects his early-career status. The financial terms are modest, which is pretty normal for a developing player.

Signing Terms and Contract Structure

Shenton signed a one-year deal with the Mariners after rejoining them. His path has included trades from Seattle to Tampa Bay and then back again for cash considerations.

The contract is simple—no complicated clauses or options like you see with veterans. As a pre-arbitration player with limited service time, he gets standard terms for guys still fighting for a regular spot.

He’s listed as Pre-Arbitration Eligible with a service time of 0.075 as of January 2025. That means the Mariners control his contract for several more years.

Salary and Bonus Breakdown

Shenton’s yearly salary is pretty modest compared to established MLB players. He didn’t get a signing bonus, at least according to public info.

His net worth is about $336,600, which comes from his salaries since getting drafted. His pay matches the usual minor league scale, with possible bumps if he spends more time in the majors.

The salary breaks down like this:

• Base Salary: Standard pre-arbitration rate
• Signing Bonus: None
• Performance Incentives: Not clear, but minor league contracts usually don’t offer much here

Recent Updates and Renewals

In November 2023, the Rays added Shenton to their 40-man roster. That was a big step, showing they believed in his potential.

Not long after, the Rays traded him back to the Mariners for cash. In February 2025, the Mariners reviewed his contract as part of spring training.

His contract includes standard language about performance and development. The Mariners are tracking his progress to decide his future role and pay.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

Austin Shenton’s finances reflect where he is in his career. His earnings mostly come from his contracts, with a little potential from endorsements.

Estimated Net Worth Overview

Shenton’s net worth is about $336,600. That number comes from his minor league salaries and any signing bonuses since he got drafted.

He’s spent a lot of time in the Mariners farm system, so his net worth is still modest. Being on the 40-man roster does help his earning power a bit.

Most prospects at his stage don’t have big net worths until they land a regular MLB job or a bigger contract.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Right now, Shenton doesn’t have many endorsements. That’s pretty normal for minor leaguers.

Most of his chances are probably with baseball equipment companies or local businesses in the cities where he’s played.

You might see deals with:

• Bat, glove, or apparel makers
• Local businesses near his minor league teams
• Training or nutrition brands

If Shenton locks down a regular MLB spot, his endorsement opportunities could grow a lot. That’s usually when sponsors start to notice.

Major Career Earnings

Since he started his pro career, Shenton has earned most of his income from his contract with the Seattle Mariners.

As a developing player, he follows the typical minor league salary structure, which could increase if he makes it to the MLB.

Here’s how Shenton’s earnings break down:

• Minor league salaries (these change depending on the level)
• Signing bonus from his draft selection
• Per diem allowances when traveling
• Possible salary bumps if he lands on the 40-man roster

We rarely see exact salary numbers for minor leaguers, but his position as a first baseman in the Mariners system means he probably earns what’s standard for prospects at his stage.

If he spends more time on the active MLB roster, that would be a real game-changer for his finances. The jump to major league minimum salary and eventually arbitration could boost his earnings in a big way.

Notable Accomplishments and Recognition

Austin Shenton has built quite a resume with the Seattle Mariners. His journey from draft prospect to major leaguer really shows how much he’s grown and the recognition he’s earned.

Key MLB Performances

Shenton’s MLB debut kicked off a string of performances that got people talking. He hit his first big league home run against tough competition, showing off his power at the top level.

During 2024 spring training, Shenton put up impressive numbers that helped him lock down a roster spot. He batted .320 and knocked out 4 home runs in just 15 games.

His defensive versatility has helped the Mariners a lot. He moves smoothly between third base and first base, and this adaptable style makes him useful in all sorts of defensive situations.

Awards and Honors

Shenton picked up several honors during his minor league career that really highlight his potential. Twice, the Mariners named him Minor League Player of the Month for his steady offensive production.

Back in high school, Shenton led his team to strong seasons and posted stats that landed him college opportunities.

The Mariners picked him in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft, which speaks to his talent and upside.

At Florida International University, he earned All-Conference honors and built a reputation as a top prospect before turning pro.

Comparison with Peers

If you line him up against guys like Alex Bregman, Alec Bohm, and Jake Burger, Shenton holds his own in a few key stats. His on-base and slugging numbers look solid compared to these established third basemen.

Defensively, the metrics put Shenton in the middle tier among MLB third basemen. There’s still room for him to grow, but his fielding percentage keeps trending up.

When it comes to contracts, Shenton’s $336,600 net worth reflects where he is early in his career. Compared to others with similar experience, he’s on track financially as he carves out his place in the majors.

Off-Field Activities and Personal Life

Austin Shenton manages to balance his baseball career with community work, hobbies, and even some ongoing education. Off the field, he comes across as a well-rounded guy who wants to make a difference beyond just sports.

Community Involvement

Shenton gets involved in community service wherever he plays. He often joins the Seattle Mariners’ community outreach programs, working with local youth baseball groups to help bring the sport to kids who might not have easy access.

Back home in Bellingham, Washington, Shenton hosts annual baseball clinics during the offseason. He gives young players pro-level tips and raises money for local charities at the same time.

He also visits hospitals to spend time with kids facing tough illnesses. Teammates say Shenton prefers to get hands-on with his community work instead of just making appearances.

Not long ago, he helped start a program that donates baseball gear to schools in low-income parts of Washington state.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

When he’s not playing baseball, Shenton loves the outdoors and makes the most of the Pacific Northwest. He spends a lot of time fishing and hiking during the offseason, which helps him recharge.

He calls himself a “coffee enthusiast” and has really gotten into Seattle’s coffee scene. Sometimes he shares his favorite coffee shops on social media—maybe a little too enthusiastically, but who can blame him?

Shenton keeps a pretty low profile online, but he does share bits of his personal life now and then. Lately, he’s picked up photography, and his social accounts feature plenty of landscape shots from his adventures.

Music helps him unwind, too. He’s mentioned in interviews that he likes to play guitar before games, a habit he started back in college.

Educational Pursuits and Research

Even with the hectic schedule that comes with pro baseball, Shenton sticks with his education. After the Mariners drafted him from Florida International University in 2019, he kept working on his degree during the offseasons.

He’s not just focused on classes, either. Shenton teams up with sports science researchers who dig into the biomechanics of baseball swings.

Together, they look for ways to tweak batting techniques and cut down on injury risks. This helps players at every level, which is pretty cool.

In 2023, Shenton co-authored a paper about how swing mechanics connect to bat speed. People in baseball development circles have started to notice this research for its real-world value.

He also talks with young athletes about finding a balance between school and sports. Shenton believes his education gives him a broader view and helps him get ready for whatever comes after his baseball career.