Grae Kessinger – Arizona Diamondbacks Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Grae Kessinger was born on August 25, 1997, in Oxford, Mississippi. Since his MLB debut on June 7, 2023, he’s quickly started to carve out a place for himself in professional baseball.

The talented infielder comes from a strong baseball family. The Houston Astros picked him in the second round of the 2019 draft, 68th overall, after an impressive run at the University of Mississippi.

Right now, Kessinger earns an annual salary of $720,000 with his contract, and his net worth is estimated at $1,206,778. As the 2025 season unfolds, analysts are keeping an eye on whether the 27-year-old will meet the potential that made him a high draft pick.

Kessinger, at 27, represents the next wave of versatile infielders in Major League Baseball. His journey from college standout to pro shows how tough it can be for prospects to break through at the highest level.

Fans are eager to see how his career and contract situation will develop as the 2025 season progresses.

Early Life and Education

Grae Kessinger’s road to pro baseball started with deep family ties to the game. His childhood in Oxford, Mississippi set the stage for his growth as both a student and an athlete.

Family Background

Born on August 25, 1997 in Oxford, Grae comes from a pretty legendary baseball family. His grandfather, Don Kessinger, was a six-time All-Star shortstop for the Chicago Cubs in the 1960s and 1970s.

His father, Kevin, played college baseball as well.

This baseball heritage gave Grae a unique perspective on the sport from a young age. Growing up in Oxford, he soaked up the baseball culture and spent plenty of time around the diamond, picking up the basics and sharpening his skills.

The Kessinger name carries weight in Mississippi baseball circles. That legacy created both opportunities and a bit of pressure for Grae as he started to show his own talent.

Academic and Athletic Pursuits

Kessinger attended Oxford High School, where he quickly became a standout shortstop. His strong play earned recognition as one of Mississippi’s top baseball prospects.

He didn’t just focus on baseball—Grae kept his academics up, showing the kind of discipline that would help him later at the college level.

During high school, he developed the defensive skills and batting technique that would become trademarks of his game.

After high school, Kessinger decided to keep the family tradition alive by going to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and stayed in his hometown, playing for a competitive SEC program.

Influences and Motivations

Grae’s biggest influence early on was definitely his grandfather, Don Kessinger. Don’s experience as a shortstop gave Grae some pretty specialized coaching most kids don’t get.

Coaches at both the high school and travel ball levels also helped him refine his skills. Grae’s competitive drive stood out early—teammates often noticed his intense focus during practice and games.

He’s mentioned that his family’s support was crucial, especially when things got tough. Carrying the Kessinger name in baseball circles pushed him to create his own identity while still honoring his family’s legacy.

Professional Baseball Career

Grae Kessinger’s pro baseball journey kicked off after his college career at Ole Miss, where he made a name for himself as a versatile infielder. He worked his way through the minors and finally made his MLB debut, showing he could handle multiple infield positions.

MLB Debut and Initial Years

The Houston Astros picked Kessinger in the 2019 MLB Draft, launching his pro career. He moved through the Astros’ farm system, working on his game at different minor league stops.

He reached the majors later than some expected, mostly because he needed more development and the Astros’ infield was pretty competitive.

When he finally made it, he joined a rare group of third-generation MLB players—following his grandfather Don and father Keith. That family legacy made his debut extra meaningful.

He spent his first couple of years proving his versatility, trying to carve out a spot at the MLB level while going up against established veterans.

Teams and Performance Highlights

After his time with the Astros, Kessinger found more opportunities elsewhere. Like a lot of young players, he’s had to fight for a permanent MLB role.

In the tough NL Central, he’s had to adjust to facing pitchers from teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. Sometimes he’s shown flashes of real potential.

His salary of $720,000 per year is pretty standard for someone at his stage. He keeps working to boost his offensive numbers and cut down on strikeouts, all while showing defensive versatility.

Position and Playing Style

Kessinger has played all over the infield—third base, second base, and shortstop. That flexibility makes him valuable to teams searching for utility infielders who can cover multiple spots.

At the plate, he’s still developing his approach. He bats right-handed and tends to focus on making contact rather than hitting for power, but he’s working on improving his slugging percentage.

Defensively, Kessinger has good range and reliable hands, especially at shortstop, which was his main position in college. His arm is strong enough to make the tough throws from the left side.

Some people compare his style to utility infielders like Justin Turner, who built long careers thanks to positional flexibility and steady offense.

Contract History

Grae Kessinger’s contract story started in 2019 when the Houston Astros drafted him. His financial path in MLB has grown slowly from his minor league deal to making the majors in 2023.

Initial Signing and Terms

The Astros picked him 68th overall in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He signed his first pro contract as a college standout from Ole Miss, which came with the usual minor league terms.

He started out earning a typical minor league salary, with small raises as he moved up through Houston’s system. This stretch was important for his development as he climbed the ranks.

His first contract matched his draft position—good pay for a high-round pick, but not the big bucks reserved for first-rounders.

Recent Contracts and Options

In 2023, Kessinger made the majors when the Astros selected his contract from the Sugar Land Space Cowboys on June 5. That promotion bumped his pay up to the MLB minimum salary.

Now he earns $720,000 per year, which is about right for players at his experience level. There’s no signing bonus—just straightforward compensation.

The Astros hold team control over Kessinger through pre-arbitration years and possible club options as he racks up service time. With 1.054 years of MLB service as of 2025, he’ll stay under team control for a while longer.

Free Agency and Market Impact

Kessinger won’t reach free agency for a few more years, based on his service time. MLB rules say you need six full years before you can hit the open market.

Because he can play third, second, and shortstop, Kessinger’s versatility could make him more valuable when he eventually becomes a free agent. Teams like players who can fill multiple roles.

The market for utility infielders has changed lately, with teams putting more value on guys who can handle several positions. How much Kessinger earns down the road will depend on whether his offense improves to match his defensive flexibility.

So far, his earnings through 2025 have pushed his net worth to about $1.2 million. That gives him a solid foundation as he looks ahead to arbitration and, eventually, free agency.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Kessinger has built a modest financial profile since turning pro, with his MLB contract providing most of his income. His financial standing lines up with that of a developing player in the league.

Salary and Endorsements

Right now, Kessinger pulls in a salary of $720,000 per year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That’s his base salary—no signing bonus, according to contract details.

Some sources suggest his 2025 salary might bump up to $742,100.

Since he debuted on June 7, 2023, his endorsement deals are still pretty limited compared to more established players. His ties to Oxford and Ole Miss could open up some regional endorsement chances as he gets further into his career.

Net Income Breakdown

Kessinger’s estimated net worth is about $1.2 million, mostly from his baseball salary. His income sources look pretty typical for an MLB player at his stage:

Annual Income Sources:

• MLB salary: $720,000-$742,100
• Playoff bonuses (if applicable)
• Performance incentives (not publicly disclosed)

After agent fees (usually 3-5%), federal and state taxes, and other professional expenses, his take-home pay drops quite a bit. Players at his level often end up with 40-50% of their listed salary after all the deductions.

Investments and Real Estate

Details about Kessinger’s investments aren’t public, but most MLB players with similar earnings stick to:

• Conservative investments (mutual funds, bonds)
• Retirement accounts (MLB pension program)
• Maybe some real estate

At 27 years old, Kessinger would be smart to work with financial advisors who know the sports world. These pros help players navigate the unique financial challenges that come with pro sports.

A lot of MLB players at his stage buy property in their hometown or where they play. With his Mississippi roots, it wouldn’t be surprising if he owns real estate in Oxford, but there aren’t any public records confirming that.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Off the field, Grae Kessinger balances his baseball career with community involvement and some media appearances. He keeps up the family legacy of strong values, both on and off the diamond.

Charity Work and Community Involvement

Kessinger has always stayed connected to his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, where he was born and raised. He often heads back to Oxford, following his family’s example, and jumps in to help out with local baseball clinics for kids.

He puts most of his charitable energy into youth sports, especially in communities that don’t have many resources. During the off-season, Kessinger runs annual baseball camps. He and his team coach the kids and hand out gear—sometimes you can tell it means the world to these young players.

In 2023, he teamed up with the Houston Astros Foundation. Together, they kicked off a new initiative that supports academic achievement for student-athletes. The program pairs mentorship with scholarships for promising young players.

Kessinger graduated from the University of Mississippi, and he still shows up for alumni fundraising events. He likes to support projects that improve athletic facilities and boost academic resources for students.

Media Appearances and Memoir

While Kessinger keeps his private life mostly to himself, he’s made a handful of media appearances on regional sports networks. Usually, he talks about his climb from the minors to the majors, and you can hear a bit of humility in his voice.

In early 2024, Yahoo Sports ran a profile on baseball families with deep roots in the game, and Kessinger was right in the mix. The article looked at the influence his grandfather Don and father Keith had on his style and mindset—honestly, it’s hard not to find that kind of legacy fascinating.

He’s currently working with a well-known baseball writer on a memoir. The book will dig into the pressures and perks of being part of a multi-generation baseball family. Expect some honest stories about his path from college standout to pro ballplayer.

On social media, Kessinger keeps things pretty low-key. He’ll post training tips or a family photo now and then, but he’s definitely not chasing the spotlight.