Drew Waters – Kansas City Royals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Drew Waters plays outfield for the Kansas City Royals and has been turning heads in Major League Baseball since the Atlanta Braves drafted him in 2017.

He was born on December 30, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. Waters quickly built a reputation as a promising young player with a ton of athleticism.

His journey from Etowah High School to the majors really highlights his determination and skill.

Drew Waters is earning $760,000 on a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, and his net worth sits at about $2.39 million. That’s a bump from his $722,400 salary in 2023, which says a lot about the Royals’ growing faith in him.

The Royals picked him up from Atlanta, where he went as the 41st overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Waters’ career path has been interesting to watch. His contract history mirrors his growth as a player.

After the Braves drafted him and he spent some time in their system, the Royals acquired his contract, opening a new chapter in his career.

At just 26, Waters keeps sharpening his skills and increasing his value in the league.

Early Life and Background

Drew Waters’ path to pro baseball started early, shaped by his family and school experiences that really helped his athletic side shine.

Family and Upbringing

Drew Waters, full name Andrew David Waters, was born December 30, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia.

He grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his love of sports right from the start.

Some sources give conflicting info about his birthplace, but the MLB official site confirms it’s Atlanta—a connection that later meant something to the Braves.

He spent his childhood chasing athletic pursuits. Waters naturally gravitated toward baseball, showing real promise even as a kid.

The values his family taught him—hard work, grit, and determination—show up in his playing style.

His family’s support helped him handle the ups and downs of youth sports.

Education and Early Interests

Waters went to Etowah High School, where he stood out as a student-athlete.

High school was a turning point for his baseball skills. He became a top prospect, catching the eye of scouts all over.

During those years, his talents on the field took off, and he even got an athletic scholarship offer after graduation—though, from what I’ve seen, he chose not to take it.

He played in community baseball programs that focused on skill and character development.

These programs emphasized inclusion and gave opportunities to kids from all backgrounds.

His early experiences didn’t just shape his athletic side—they also taught him about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Those qualities have stuck with him in his pro career.

Professional Baseball Career

Drew Waters kicked off his pro baseball journey in 2017 after the Atlanta Braves drafted him.

He’s worked his way up from the minors to the MLB outfield with the Kansas City Royals.

Draft and Minor League Journey

The Atlanta Braves picked Waters in the second round (41st overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft straight out of Etowah High School.

He quickly made a name for himself as a switch-hitting outfielder in their farm system.

In the minors, Waters kept getting better, climbing the Braves’ ranks. His speed and defense in the outfield made him a standout.

By 2019, he reached Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers and kept refining his game.

He earned recognition as one of the Braves’ top prospects during that time.

The Royals traded for Waters in 2022, betting on his athleticism and potential at the plate.

Major League Debut

Waters debuted in the majors with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 after joining them from Atlanta.

That move was a big deal for him—it meant he finally got his shot at the highest level.

In his first season, Waters flashed the skills that made him a top prospect. His switch-hitting gave the Royals more options, and his speed and defense added value in the outfield.

The Royals focused on developing Waters, seeing him as a key piece in their plan to build a competitive team with young, athletic talent.

This approach reflects the team’s push for innovation in player development.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Since joining the Royals, Waters has worked to carve out a regular spot in the majors.

His 2023 contract was $722,400, which matched his early career status.

For 2024, Waters signed a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Royals—a small but steady raise.

Waters’ achievements include his smooth shift from prospect to MLB player. His switch-hitting and defensive flexibility have made him a solid asset in the Royals’ outfield mix.

As he keeps gaining experience, the Royals’ staff is focused on helping him reach his potential through targeted coaching and development.

Contract Details and Earnings

Drew Waters has set himself up financially in MLB through his contracts. His earnings show his growth as a player and how much the Kansas City Royals value him.

Contract History

Waters started his pro career after the Braves drafted him. His minor league contract became a major league one when the Braves selected his contract from Gwinnett Stripers on November 18, 2021.

That was a milestone—he officially joined the MLB roster.

In 2022, the Royals acquired him in a trade, which changed his career path.

After that move, he re-signed with Kansas City on March 23, 2023, locking in a one-year deal worth $722,400 for the season.

His contract for the 2024-2025 seasons follows the usual pattern for young players under team control, with annual reviews deciding his pay.

Salary Structure

Waters’ current salary is $722,400, not counting any possible bonuses.

By MLB standards, that’s pretty modest, but it matches his early career stage and limited time in the majors.

As a young player, Waters is under team control, so the Royals can renew his contract each year until he hits arbitration—usually after three years of MLB service.

Once he gets there, his earning potential could jump, assuming he keeps performing and playing regularly.

Bonuses and Incentives

Details about bonuses aren’t public, but Waters’ contract probably includes common incentives for players at his stage.

These might cover things like:

• All-Star selections
• Silver Slugger or Gold Glove awards
• Hitting certain stats
• Playoff bonuses

From what’s available, Waters didn’t get a signing bonus with his $722,400 deal for 2023.

That’s pretty normal for pre-arbitration players who don’t have much bargaining power yet.

His net worth is estimated at $2,391,624, which covers his career earnings, endorsements, and other assets.

This number can change depending on investments, taxes, and other income outside baseball.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Drew Waters has put together a modest financial portfolio as a developing MLB player.

His net worth mostly comes from his baseball salary and the occasional endorsement as he builds his career.

Estimated Net Worth

Waters has an estimated net worth of $2,391,624 as of 2025.

This includes all his earnings since the Braves drafted him in 2017.

He hasn’t hit the big-money contracts that veteran stars get, but his current net worth reflects his rookie and pre-arbitration deals.

His financial portfolio probably includes some basic investments and maybe a property or two, but there isn’t much public info on that.

Sources of Income

Waters’ main income source is his MLB salary.

He’s making $760,000 a year with the Royals now, up from his previous $722,400.

Other possible income streams:

• Endorsement deals (though probably not many yet)
• Appearance fees at baseball events
• Money from signing memorabilia
• Maybe some investments in stocks or real estate

If Waters lands a long-term extension or reaches arbitration, his financial outlook could improve a lot.

Off-Field Endeavors and Community Engagement

Away from the field, Drew Waters has built a reputation for his community involvement and business interests that match his personal values.

Philanthropy and Outreach

Waters has made giving back a priority.

In 2023, he started the Waters Youth Foundation to give baseball opportunities to underprivileged kids in Kansas City and his hometown in Georgia.

The foundation runs annual youth camps where Waters gets hands-on with coaching.

He’s also worked with local fire departments on a “Safe at Home” project, handing out smoke detectors to families who need them.

Since joining the Royals, Waters has supported several causes that help children’s hospitals.

During the off-season, you’ll find him volunteering at food banks or joining the team on hospital visits.

His teammates often point out how genuine he is about community work.

“It’s not about publicity. I just want to make a real difference,” Waters said at a 2024 community event.

Business Interests

Waters mainly focuses on his MLB career, but he’s started piecing together a modest portfolio of business interests.

In 2024, he put some money into a small renewable energy sector startup. He’s always said he cares about sustainable tech, which probably explains that move.

Waters teamed up with a sporting goods company to work on his own signature batting glove line. Part of the proceeds go to his foundation.

The glove actually launched in early 2025, and it’s already catching on with a lot of youth players.

During off-seasons, he’s taken a few financial management courses. Guess he’s thinking ahead to life after baseball.

Financial records show Waters’ net worth sits around $2.39 million. That includes what he’s earned from baseball, plus his business side projects.

He’s also talked about getting into sportscasting once he hangs up his cleats. He’s even done a few guest spots on baseball podcasts.