Hunter Renfroe – Kansas City Royals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Hunter Renfroe has made a name for himself as a power-hitting outfielder in Major League Baseball since he broke in with the San Diego Padres back in 2016.

He was born on January 28, 1992, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, and the Padres picked him 13th overall in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft after a strong college run at Mississippi State.

Right now, Renfroe’s suiting up for the Kansas City Royals on a one-year, $5.5 million contract he signed in December 2023. That deal includes a $7.5 million player option for the following season.

He’s bounced around a bit, playing for several MLB teams, but he’s shown his value as a consistent power threat and a solid defender in the outfield.

Over the course of his career, Renfroe has built up an estimated net worth of about $29 million. Teams have counted on his reliable power and strong arm, whether he was with the Padres, Rays, Red Sox, Brewers, Angels, Reds, or now the Royals.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Hunter Renfroe’s baseball story starts in the small town of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. He began developing his talent at a young age, first in high school, then in college at Mississippi State.

Background and Hometown

Hunter grew up in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, raised by Todd and Tammy Renfroe. Life in a small town shaped his work ethic and character, qualities that would stick with him as a pro.

He spent his early years in rural Mississippi, honing his skills on local fields. Pretty quickly, people noticed he was a natural athlete.

He attended Copiah Academy in Gallman, Mississippi, where he stood out as a multi-sport athlete.

At Copiah Academy, Renfroe didn’t just play baseball—he also starred in football and basketball. His strong arm and natural swing made him a notable prospect even before college.

College Baseball Journey

After high school, Renfroe headed to Mississippi State University. That’s where he really started turning heads as an elite baseball talent.

His time with the Bulldogs saw him blossom into one of the country’s top power hitters. In his junior year, he helped lead Mississippi State to the College World Series finals.

Major league scouts took notice of his right-handed power and strong throwing arm. That mix of skills made him a top draft prospect.

The Padres confirmed his rise by selecting him 13th overall in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft. That moment kicked off his professional journey.

Professional MLB Career

Hunter Renfroe’s career in the majors has featured big home runs, strong defense, and a few uniform changes along the way. He’s made a living as a consistent power hitter who can shift a game with one swing.

MLB Debut and Early Success

Renfroe made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres on September 21, 2016. As a first-round pick, he wasted no time showing off his power.

In 2017, his first full season, Renfroe hit 26 home runs in 122 games. He brought instant pop to the Padres’ lineup.

He kept the power coming in 2018, again knocking 26 home runs. That year, he also raised his batting average and showed a bit more patience at the plate.

Renfroe’s defense in the outfield sharpened during this stretch, drawing praise for his arm and range.

By 2019, he’d become a key part of the Padres offense. That season, he set a new career high with 33 home runs, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous right-handed bat.

Notable Trades and Team Transitions

The Padres traded Renfroe to the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2019 in a deal that sent Tommy Pham to San Diego. That move started a stretch where he changed teams a few times.

He played one season with the Rays, then signed with the Boston Red Sox for 2021. In Boston, Renfroe put together maybe his best offensive season—he hit .259 with 31 home runs and 96 RBIs in 144 games.

After that, the Red Sox traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for 2022. Renfroe kept mashing, finishing with 29 home runs and 72 RBIs for Milwaukee.

He split the 2023 season between the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds. In 2024, he signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Kansas City Royals, where he’s playing now.

Performance Highlights and Achievements

Renfroe has built a reputation for raw power and a cannon arm. He’s had several multi-homer games, showing he can take over a contest.

Defensively, he’s one of the better outfielders in the league. His arm strength is no joke—he’s often among the league leaders in outfield assists, cutting down runners who try to stretch extra bases.

In 2021 with Boston, Renfroe led all American League right fielders with 16 outfield assists. That’s a pretty impressive stat and speaks to his value in the field.

His career earnings have topped $34 million as of 2024. Teams have paid for his power and his glove, and he’s delivered on both fronts.

Injuries and Comebacks

Renfroe’s career hasn’t been totally smooth—he’s had to deal with injuries like most long-time players. In 2017, a neck strain landed him on the disabled list and slowed his rookie momentum.

He also missed time in 2018 with a right wrist injury. Still, he bounced back and kept hitting for power.

The 2020 season was weird for everyone, and Renfroe’s numbers dipped a bit during that shortened year. But he came back strong with the Red Sox in 2021.

Renfroe’s shown he can adjust and fight through setbacks. No matter the team or league, he’s managed to keep producing, which says a lot about his work ethic and determination.

Hunter Renfroe’s Contract History

Renfroe’s journey through professional baseball has included plenty of contract changes as he’s moved between teams. His financial story in MLB really highlights how a player’s value can shift with performance and team needs.

Rookie and Early Career Contracts

The San Diego Padres kicked off Renfroe’s MLB career by signing him with a $2,678,000 signing bonus. That was a big show of faith in the young outfielder.

After his 2016 debut, Renfroe played under team-controlled rookie contracts for his first few seasons. These early deals were pretty modest, as is typical for pre-arbitration players in MLB.

The Padres kept control of his contract during those developmental years, getting his services at a reasonable cost while he established himself as a power bat and reliable outfielder.

Major Trades and Contract Terms

Renfroe’s career has included several trades and free agency moves. His market value jumped after he proved his power at the plate.

In December 2023, Renfroe inked a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Kansas City Royals. That contract came with a player option for $7.5 million the next season, giving him some flexibility.

Sources differ on the exact numbers. One reports he signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Royals, averaging $6.5 million annually. Another lists his salary at $11.9 million per year.

He’s never received a qualifying offer during free agency. Teams have picked him up through standard free agent signings and trades, always looking for his power.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Renfroe has built up a solid financial base during his MLB career. His net worth—estimated at about $29 million as of 2025—comes from contracts, endorsements, and a handful of business investments.

Earnings From MLB Contracts

Most of Renfroe’s wealth comes from his MLB salaries. Right now, he’s playing under a contract with the Kansas City Royals that’s had a big impact on his finances.

He signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in December 2023, with a $7.5 million player option for the next year.

Over his career, Renfroe has landed several valuable contracts. One of his recent deals—a two-year, $13 million contract with the Royals—gave him an average annual salary of $6.5 million.

His current annual salary hovers around $11.9 million, putting him among the better-paid outfielders in the league. These contracts have helped him reach a net worth of $29 million by 2025.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Renfroe keeps a lower profile than some big-name MLB stars, but he’s still picked up a few endorsement deals to supplement his contract money.

He’s partnered with baseball equipment companies and some regional brands. Equipment sponsorships bring in a decent chunk—think batting gloves, cleats, and other gear. These deals usually include both cash and free merchandise.

He’s also done regional endorsements in cities where he’s played, which means local ads, appearances, and social media promos that boost his profile and add to his income.

While exact numbers aren’t public, industry folks estimate endorsements add about 10-15% to his yearly income on top of his MLB salary.

Investments and Business Ventures

Renfroe hasn’t just relied on baseball money—he’s put some of his earnings into investments and business ventures. Like a lot of athletes, he works with financial advisors to make sure he’s set for life after baseball.

His investments include:

• Real estate in several states
• Startup equity stakes
• Conservative stocks and bonds
• Small business ownership

He seems especially interested in outdoor and hunting-related businesses, which fits his personal hobbies. He’s put money into hunting equipment companies and owns shares in outdoor recreation spots.

Financial records suggest he’s played it safe, steering clear of risky ventures and focusing on growth with stability. That approach should help him keep his net worth steady, even after his playing days are over.

Career Statistics and Performance Metrics

Hunter Renfroe has earned his reputation as a powerful slugger in Major League Baseball. His stats show off his value as a middle-of-the-order bat with legit power potential and the ability to drive in runs.

Batting Average and On-Base Percentage

Renfroe’s career batting average usually sits around .240. That’s a bit below league average, but his power at the plate makes up for it in a lot of eyes.

He started out with the San Diego Padres, and honestly, he had a rough time finding consistency as a hitter. Over time, though, you could see him working through it.

His on-base percentage (OBP) generally lands in the low .300s. That shows he could stand to walk a bit more. Renfroe hasn’t drawn many walks during his career, which keeps his OBP from climbing higher, even though he hits for power.

In 2021 with the Boston Red Sox, he actually made some noticeable strides. He posted a .259 batting average, which ended up being one of his best seasons at the plate. That year really showed he could adjust and grow as a hitter.

Home Runs and RBIs

Renfroe’s always been known for his power. He steps up and delivers home runs pretty regularly, with several seasons of 25 or more bombs. His 2019 run with the Padres stands out—he smashed 33 homers in just 140 games.

He racks up RBIs, too, and teams have counted on him in the middle of the order. When he gets enough playing time, he often drives in 70 or more runs, so he definitely knows how to bring teammates home.

If you look at his slugging percentage and isolated power (ISO), both numbers stay above league average. His right-handed swing really punishes left-handed pitching, so he’s a tough matchup in those spots.

Teams keep bringing him in for his power, even if he’s got a few holes in his game elsewhere.

Doubles and Runs Scored

Renfroe doesn’t just rely on the long ball—he’s got some pop for doubles, too. Usually, he picks up 20 to 30 doubles a season, which adds some nice value to his bat. He can drive the ball to all fields, and that’s helped him keep up those extra-base hits year after year.

His runs scored totals show his power-first style. He’s not exactly a burner on the bases, but when he plays regularly, he still manages to cross the plate 60 to 70 times a year.

In 2021 with Boston, he set a personal best by scoring 89 runs in 144 games. That kind of production gave the Red Sox a boost during their playoff push.

Teams looking for pop in the lineup have seen his extra-base hit ability as a real plus, which is why he keeps finding new opportunities—even as he bounces around the league.

Notable Comparisons and Key Relationships

Hunter Renfroe’s career has been shaped by the people around him and how he stacks up against other power hitters in MLB. You can’t ignore the influence of teammates and the context of his numbers when you look at his impact.

Teammates and Influential Players

Renfroe has played alongside some big names who’ve helped him along the way. Back with the Padres, he built some solid chemistry with Jurickson Profar, and together they made a pretty tough outfield tandem.

When he landed in Boston, his power worked well with guys like Xander Bogaerts, and that lineup could really do damage. He also played solid outfield defense next to Alex Verdugo, which seemed to click.

If you line him up with other power hitters, Renfroe doesn’t quite reach the heights of someone like Aaron Judge, but he’s more reliable than a lot of average outfielders. Hitting 25-plus homers most years is nothing to sneeze at.

After he signed a $13 million contract with the Royals, he joined a rebuilding team. Alongside veterans like Mike Moustakas, he brought some much-needed pop to Kansas City’s lineup.

Performance Versus Peers

When you stack up Renfroe against guys like Taylor Ward or Lourdes Gurriel Jr., his power numbers really jump out. He usually lands in the top third for slugging percentage among outfielders.

But let’s be real—his on-base percentage doesn’t quite keep up with the more patient hitters.

Renfroe’s defensive metrics:

• Arm Strength: He ranks in the top 10% for outfield assists.
• Range Factor: His range sits a bit below average.
• Defensive Runs Saved: He usually ends up on the positive side.

When he faces pitchers like Luis Severino or Lucas Giolito, Renfroe can really make them pay for mistakes. He tends to crush fastballs over 95 mph.

Against elite relievers such as Craig Kimbrel or John Schreiber, he keeps his batting average around .240. Honestly, that’s not bad considering how tough those guys are.

If you compare Renfroe to players with similar contracts, he tends to offer solid value. He averages about 28 home runs per 162 games, which puts him firmly among the more dependable power bats in baseball’s middle tier.