DaShawn Keirsey Jr. has really started to make a name for himself as an up-and-coming talent for the Minnesota Twins since his MLB debut.
He was born on May 13, 1997, in San Diego, California. The Twins picked him in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft after he played college ball at the University of Utah.
His journey to the majors? It’s a story of persistence and some serious athleticism.
Right now, Keirsey plays under a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins worth $761,250, which is his guaranteed salary for the 2025 season. That deal is just a slice of his career earnings, which have hit about $1.4 million.
As a left-handed outfielder and pinch runner, Keirsey adds some much-needed versatility to the Twins’ roster.
At 27, Keirsey has been working on his pro resume since draft day, climbing up through the Twins’ farm system.
The organization selected his contract from the St. Paul Saints and brought him up to the majors.
With his athleticism and growing experience, Keirsey is one of those guys the Twins hope can anchor the next wave of talent.
Early Life and Background
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. came into the world on May 13, 1997, in San Diego, California.
His early years laid the groundwork for his eventual shot at Major League Baseball. The story started long before he became a Minnesota Twins outfielder.
Personal Background
Keirsey grew up right in the thick of Southern California’s competitive baseball scene.
That part of the country just churns out baseball talent, and Keirsey’s athletic gifts showed up early.
Baseball quickly became his main focus.
As a kid, Keirsey honed his left-handed batting and throwing style—something that’s now basically his calling card in the pros.
He cut his teeth in San Diego’s tough youth leagues, picking up the basics and then some.
The endless California sunshine gave him the chance to play all year.
He spent his formative years bouncing between tournaments and showcases, always working on his game.
Family and Upbringing
Details about Keirsey’s immediate family aren’t really public, but it’s clear they’ve had an impact.
Like most pro athletes, he probably leaned on his family for support.
Elite youth baseball isn’t cheap or easy. His family invested time and money, shuttling him to weekend tournaments, travel teams, and specialized coaches.
Growing up in San Diego, he had access to great competition and solid training facilities.
Southern California’s baseball culture, with its focus on fundamentals and non-stop play, was the perfect environment for a kid with big league dreams.
Education
Keirsey kept up with school while building his baseball career.
His academic path led him to the University of Utah, where he stood out as a college player.
At Utah, Keirsey juggled tough classes and the demands of Division I baseball.
That stretch really shaped him, giving him a taste of high-level competition while he matured both physically and mentally.
His performance in college caught MLB scouts’ attention, which eventually led to his name being called in the draft.
College baseball’s structure helped him get ready for the grind and pressure of pro ball.
His education didn’t just prep him for baseball; it also gave him some crucial life skills for whatever comes next.
Amateur and Collegiate Career
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. laid the foundation for his pro career with strong showings in both high school and college.
His development as an outfielder highlighted his athleticism and baseball instincts right from the start.
High School Achievements
Keirsey’s baseball story kicked off in San Diego, California, where he was born on May 13, 1997.
During high school, he shined as an outfielder, showing off his defensive chops and a steady left-handed bat.
Keirsey built a reputation for speed and athleticism, which helped him on both sides of the ball.
His performance turned heads, earning him recognition as one of the top outfield prospects in the San Diego area.
His numbers in batting average, stolen bases, and defense looked promising.
Those early stats got the attention of college recruiters searching for versatile outfielders.
College Baseball Performance
Keirsey kept his baseball journey going at the University of Utah.
He quickly became a key player for the Utes.
As a left-handed batter and thrower, Keirsey used his natural gifts to make an impact in the Pac-12.
His hitting improved every season, showing more power and better plate discipline.
He was always a threat on the bases.
His outfield play impressed both scouts and coaches—he covered a ton of ground and made tough catches look easy.
Key Collegiate Accolades
While at Utah, Keirsey picked up several honors that spoke volumes about his value to the team.
His mix of offense and defense earned him recognition in the Pac-12.
Keirsey’s All-Conference selections proved he was among the best outfielders in college baseball.
He ranked high in batting average, on-base percentage, and stolen bases.
These achievements boosted his draft stock.
The Minnesota Twins saw his potential and drafted him, setting the stage for his move to the big leagues and his current MLB contract worth $761,250.
Professional Baseball Career
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. has been building his career with the Minnesota Twins since they drafted him in 2018.
He spent years grinding through the minor leagues before landing a spot as an outfielder for the Twins.
Draft and Entry Into MLB
The Minnesota Twins grabbed Keirsey in the 4th round (124th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Utah.
Scouts liked his athleticism and defensive skills in the outfield.
After signing, Keirsey started his pro career in the minors.
He got a signing bonus as part of his first contract, and that was the beginning of his career earnings, now over $1.4 million.
The San Diego native brought his left-handed swing and glove to the Twins, hoping to work his way up.
Minor League Progression
Keirsey moved through the minor leagues like most prospects.
He played for several Twins affiliates, sharpening his outfield skills and working on his bat.
The minors can be a grind, but Keirsey kept improving.
He eventually earned a call-up to the majors with the Minnesota Twins.
He made his MLB debut on September 5, showing that his time in the minors paid off.
Notable Performances and Milestones
Keirsey has had some standout moments that helped cement his spot as a valuable player.
Making his major league debut was a huge step after years in the minors.
He’s used his defensive skills and speed as a left-handed outfielder to make an impact.
His versatility lets him step in as a pinch runner or fill different outfield spots.
Not every draft pick makes it this far, so reaching the majors is a big deal.
Analysts are keeping an eye on his progress as he tries to carve out a regular spot.
Current Team and Role
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. plays for the Minnesota Twins, wearing number 21.
He mainly serves as an outfielder and pinch runner, relying on his speed and defense.
Keirsey’s on a one-year, $761,250 contract for the 2025 season.
That guaranteed salary makes up a big part of his career earnings so far.
The Twins use him for outfield work, and his left-handed bat and arm give them some matchup options.
He often comes in as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch runner.
At 27 (turning 28 on May 13, 2025), Keirsey keeps developing and making contributions in roles that play to his strengths.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. Contract Details
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is currently signed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $761,250.
That contract reflects his status as a rookie outfielder who made his MLB debut in 2024.
Signing Bonus and Initial Agreements
When the Twins drafted Keirsey, he entered pro ball with standard minor league contracts.
He didn’t get the huge signing bonus that top picks do—his deal was on the modest side.
As he moved up from rookie ball to Double-A and Triple-A with the St. Paul Saints, his pay increased gradually.
The Twins selected his contract from Triple-A, officially bringing him into the majors and starting his MLB salary clock.
That promotion capped off his minor league grind and marked the start of his big-league earnings.
Current Contract Terms
Keirsey’s playing under a one-year, $761,250 contract with the Twins.
That’s his base salary for 2025 and it’s fully guaranteed.
His average annual salary is the same—$761,250—which is right around the league minimum for a player at his service time.
This kind of contract is pretty standard for guys just starting out in the majors who haven’t hit arbitration yet.
He’s still in the pre-arbitration phase, so the team controls his pay until he racks up enough service time to negotiate.
Contract Detail | Value |
---|---|
Length | 1 year (2025) |
Total Value | $761,250 |
Guaranteed | $761,250 |
Average Annual Value | $761,250 |
Performance Incentives
Keirsey’s rookie contract probably has the usual performance bonuses for players at his level.
Specifics aren’t public, but MLB pre-arb contracts often include incentives for:
- All-Star nods
- Silver Slugger or Gold Glove awards
- MVP or Rookie of the Year votes
- Hitting certain games played or plate appearance numbers
Since he can handle centerfield, leftfield, and rightfield, his contract might include defensive or versatility bonuses.
His left-handed bat could also factor into incentives based on matchups.
The Twins usually set up rookie contracts with reachable short-term bonuses to encourage development and keep costs in check.
Future Contract Projections
Keirsey, born on May 13, 1997, still has plenty of prime years ahead of him. His future earning power will mostly come down to how he performs in 2025 and whether he can really lock down a regular spot.
If Keirsey plays well, he could reach salary arbitration in about three years. That’s usually when players with his skillset and a left-handed bat start to see their salaries jump.
So far, his total career earnings sit at roughly $1,405,008, but there’s definitely room for that number to grow. Outfielders like him, if they stick as everyday players, often land multi-million dollar deals once they hit arbitration.
The Twins might try to lock Keirsey down with an extension before he gets to arbitration, especially if he keeps showing value. That kind of deal could benefit both him and the team.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Since the Twins drafted him in 2018, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. has steadily built up his finances. His MLB contract gave him a strong start, and he keeps building on that foundation as his career moves forward.
Estimated Net Worth
Right now, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.’s net worth is estimated at about $1.4 million. That figure adds up his baseball earnings, investments, and anything else he’s put away so far.
Compared to veterans, his net worth is still on the lower side, but that’s pretty normal for someone new to the majors. He’s just getting started, really.
As Keirsey’s career unfolds, especially if he signs longer deals or hits performance bonuses, his financial situation could change a lot.
Career Earnings
Keirsey has earned $1,405,008 so far. For the 2025 season, he’s set to make $761,250 with the Twins, which is a big chunk of his total earnings.
The Twins picked him in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft. He worked his way through the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on September 5, 2023.
His current salary matches his status as a developing player. The one-year deal is pretty typical for guys in his position before they’re eligible for arbitration.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Keirsey’s endorsement portfolio isn’t huge yet, which makes sense for a newer MLB player. He’s still working on building his reputation on the field.
Most young players focus on their game first, and Keirsey seems to be taking that route. If he keeps performing and gets more attention, his marketability should go up.
Right now, local Minnesota businesses probably offer his best chances for endorsements, especially as he connects more with Twins fans. Like a lot of pros, he could start with equipment deals from baseball gear brands.
Personal Life and Off-Field Activities
Away from baseball, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. tries to keep things balanced. He’s big on giving back and has a few personal interests that help him relax after long days at the ballpark.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Keirsey has shown he cares about community service throughout his career. While in the Twins’ minor league system, he took part in youth baseball clinics, sharing his experience with young players.
Back in San Diego, he’s helped local efforts to get more kids playing baseball, especially in neighborhoods that don’t always have the resources. He’s teamed up with youth organizations to provide equipment and coaching for kids who might otherwise miss out.
After his MLB debut in September 2023, Keirsey started working with the Twins Community Fund. He’s now part of their outreach programs all over Minnesota.
Interests Outside Baseball
When he’s not on the field, Keirsey likes to get outside and stay active. He says these outdoor adventures help him keep in shape and clear his head.
Growing up in San Diego, he naturally picked up surfing. Whenever he gets a break in the off-season, you’ll probably find him back on the California coast, catching a few waves.
At the University of Utah, Keirsey explored interests that went way beyond just baseball. He really digs music and sometimes even shares his playlists with fans online.
Lately, he’s gotten into photography too. Keirsey likes to document his travels and his baseball life with his camera.
His teammates have mentioned that he actually knows a fair bit about camera gear and has a good eye for snapping the right shot.
Family is still a big deal for him. Even with the grind of an MLB schedule, he makes sure to stay close with his parents and siblings.
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