Buddy Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Clifton Lewis “Buddy” Kennedy was born on October 5, 1998, in Millville, New Jersey. He’s an American professional baseball infielder, now part of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

At 26, Kennedy already has a winding baseball journey. The Arizona Diamondbacks picked him in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft.

Kennedy has moved through several organizations, showing off his flexibility and grit along the way.

Buddy Kennedy signed a one-year minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. That deal adds another chapter to his resume after previous stints with the Diamondbacks and a quick stop with the Detroit Tigers, who claimed him off waivers in February 2024 after St. Louis designated him for assignment.

His path really highlights how tough it is to carve out a permanent spot in Major League Baseball. Players like Kennedy often bounce between teams, chasing that elusive roster lock.

Baseball runs deep in Kennedy’s blood. He keeps building his career while representing Millville, New Jersey—the same town that produced MLB superstar Mike Trout.

Kennedy hasn’t quite broken through as a big-league regular yet, but his ability to handle multiple infield spots gives him a shot to stick with the Phillies.

Early Life and Family Background

Kennedy’s journey into professional baseball started in Millville, New Jersey. His family and community played huge roles in shaping his love for the game.

Family and Upbringing

Clifton Lewis “Buddy” Kennedy came into the world on October 5, 1998 in Millville. It’s a city with some serious baseball roots—Mike Trout grew up there too.

Kennedy’s family already had strong ties to the sport. His grandfather, Don Money, spent 16 seasons in the majors and made four All-Star teams.

That family legacy gave Kennedy early access to the game and some pretty valuable mentorship. He honed his skills on local fields, often under Don Money’s eye.

The Millville community also backed him, especially through youth baseball programs that helped nurture his talent.

Educational Path

Kennedy attended Millville High School, following in Mike Trout’s footsteps. In high school, he quickly became one of New Jersey’s top baseball prospects.

He managed to balance academics and athletics, excelling in class and on the field.

At Millville High, Kennedy earned a reputation for powerful hitting and for being able to play anywhere in the infield. Scouts from colleges and pro teams took notice.

Instead of heading to college, Kennedy jumped straight into pro ball. The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the fifth round in 2017, right out of high school.

His time at Millville set him up to handle the challenges of life in professional baseball, even as a teenager.

Baseball Career and Achievements

Since the 2017 draft, Kennedy has put together some promising seasons at different levels. He made his way through the minors and finally reached the MLB, where he’s shown he can handle multiple infield roles.

Professional Journey

The Arizona Diamondbacks picked Kennedy in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Coming out of Millville High, he started working his way through the Diamondbacks’ system.

He moved up steadily, showing off his skills at several minor league stops.

In 2022, Kennedy finally got the call and made his MLB debut with Arizona. He mostly played second and third base, and sometimes came off the bench as a pinch hitter.

Teams valued his defensive flexibility.

Kennedy then joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization, bringing him back close to home in New Jersey. That move gave him a new shot at sticking in the majors.

Notable Accomplishments

Kennedy’s MLB debut capped off years of hard work in the minors. It showed his persistence and determination to reach the top level.

His minor league numbers kept improving—better batting average, on-base percentage, and defense helped him earn a promotion.

Growing up in the same town as Mike Trout, Kennedy has carried on Millville’s baseball tradition. That hometown connection definitely draws extra attention from fans.

Kennedy’s ability to play all over the infield has boosted his value. Teams love having someone who can fill multiple roles.

Health and Performance

Kennedy puts in the work to handle the grind of a 162-game season. Conditioning and recovery have become key parts of his routine.

He’s tweaked his batting stance and swing mechanics to make more contact and tap into some extra power. These changes show his commitment to getting better.

Kennedy has faced the usual hurdles—stepping up to tougher competition and managing the mental side of the game. Through it all, he’s shown real resilience.

In the 2023 season, Kennedy earned about $740,000, which fits where he is as a young player still trying to lock down a big-league spot. His financial situation keeps evolving as his career moves forward.

Contract Details and Salary Progression

Kennedy’s career has included several contract changes as he moved between the minors and majors. His financial story reflects the ups and downs that come with chasing a big-league dream.

Initial Contract and Negotiations

After the Arizona Diamondbacks picked him in the 2017 draft, Kennedy signed a standard rookie-level minor league contract.

He played under the typical minor league salary structure for a few years, working mostly at second and third base. His contract stayed pretty stable as he moved up the ranks.

Kennedy finally got a pay bump when he made it to the majors with Arizona. The minimum MLB salary is a big step up from minor league checks, and that milestone mattered for his financial outlook.

Recent Contracts and Salary Growth

Kennedy’s recent moves have taken him through several teams. After time with St. Louis and Detroit, the Tigers claimed him off waivers in February 2024 when St. Louis let him go.

He then signed a one-year deal with the Phillies. After choosing free agency in April 2025, Kennedy quickly re-signed with Philadelphia on a minor league contract.

That new deal probably includes some performance bonuses and call-up clauses, so if he gets back to the majors, his pay could jump.

Risk Management and Fiscal Approach

Kennedy seems to take a practical approach to baseball’s financial uncertainty. By accepting outright assignments and re-signing after being designated for assignment, he’s chosen opportunity and playing time over chasing the biggest paycheck.

He’s willing to sign minor league contracts even after MLB experience. That long-term mindset is pretty common—consistent performance can always open doors back to the majors.

Tax issues can get complicated for baseball players, with all the different states they play in. Kennedy likely works with advisors who know the ins and outs of athlete finances.

His contracts usually balance MLB standard protections with the organization’s need for flexibility. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but it works for both sides.

Net Worth, Assets, and Investments

Kennedy is still building his name in pro baseball, so his financial portfolio isn’t massive yet. Most of his money comes from his baseball contracts, but there’s room for that to grow.

Net Worth Overview

Buddy Kennedy’s net worth probably sits between $500,000 and $1 million. That’s pretty typical for a developing player who’s still fighting for a long-term MLB spot.

His main income source is his baseball career. He recently signed a 1-year contract with the Phillies, though the details and bonuses haven’t been made public.

Born in 1998, Kennedy still has plenty of time to grow his financial base. If he lands a bigger contract or reaches arbitration, his earnings could increase a lot.

Real Estate Holdings

Kennedy’s real estate holdings are pretty modest for now. Unlike MLB veterans with huge contracts, younger players tend to make smaller, safer investments.

He reportedly owns a home in New Jersey. He heads back there in the off-season, using it as a training base during the winter.

Kennedy hasn’t branched out into investment properties or vacation homes yet. That cautious approach makes sense—most financial advisors recommend it for younger players.

Business Ventures

Kennedy hasn’t gone big into business or entrepreneurship. He’s focused on baseball, which is probably the right call at this stage.

He does run some baseball camps and youth training programs back home. That brings in some extra income and lets him give back to the community.

Kennedy’s social media presence is low-key, but if he gets more attention in the league, that could turn into sponsorship deals. Some young MLB players have landed endorsements with sporting goods brands and local companies.

He seems to take financial planning seriously, working with advisors to set up long-term strategies tailored to a pro athlete’s unpredictable career.

Personal Life, Advocacy, and Future Outlook

Away from the field, Kennedy keeps things balanced with family, community work, and personal interests that help shape who he is.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Kennedy goes beyond baseball by supporting charitable causes. He joins in on the Phillies’ community outreach, visiting children’s hospitals and helping with youth baseball programs in Philadelphia.

He works with Best Buddies International, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kennedy hosts fundraisers that help the organization’s mission.

“Giving back isn’t optional—it’s essential,” Kennedy said at a recent charity clinic. “These communities support us as players, and it’s important we return that support.”

Interests and Activities Outside Baseball

When he’s off the field, Kennedy likes to get outdoors. He’s an avid fisherman and spends off-seasons on the water, which he says helps clear his mind.

Music is another passion. He draws inspiration from artists like Wynton Marsalis, and he plays guitar for a creative break from baseball.

On social media, Kennedy sometimes shares photos of meals he cooks for family. Cooking and these other interests help him keep a healthy work-life balance, which is pretty important in a demanding job like his.

Long-Term Plans and Legacy

Looking ahead, Kennedy says he wants to get into baseball operations once his playing days are over.

During the off-seasons, he studies sports management. He’s getting ready for a front office job—something that’ll let him stick around the game he loves.

Kennedy works with financial advisors to make sure he’s set for the long haul. They help him plan out social security benefits and whatever else he’ll need for retirement.

His one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies feels like a stepping stone, not a finish line. He’s using it to build his career, not just coast.

He’s also talked about affordable housing advocacy. Kennedy points out how tough it is for a lot of minor league players to find a stable place to live.

“I want my legacy to extend beyond statistics,” Kennedy says. He’s hoping to help create pathways for players to get secure housing—something that could really change the game for future athletes.