Career Timeline of Carson Kelly: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Carson Kelly made an impact.

Carson Kelly is a professional baseball catcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. He has formerly played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. As a catcher, Kelly is responsible for managing the pitching staff and playing a key defensive role.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Drafted and Signed with Cardinals

In 2012, Carson Kelly was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as a third baseman and signed with them, foregoing his commitment to the University of Oregon. He received a $1.6 million signing bonus and started his professional career with the Johnson City Cardinals.

2012: Drafted by the Cardinals

In 2012, Carson Kelly was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the MLB draft after a successful amateur career.

2013: Position Change to Catcher

In 2013, Carson Kelly discussed switching to the catcher position with the Cardinals' director of player development, believing it would increase his value to the team. He started the transition in the offseason.

2013: Promotion and Demotion in Minor Leagues

In 2013, Carson Kelly was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs but was later demoted to the State College Spikes after struggling.

2014: Played for Peoria

In 2014, Carson Kelly played for the Peoria Chiefs, batting .248 with six home runs and 49 RBIs.

July 11, 2016: Promotion to Memphis Redbirds

On July 11, 2016, after a strong performance with the Springfield Cardinals, Carson Kelly was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

September 4, 2016: Promotion to Major Leagues

On September 4, 2016, Carson Kelly's contract was purchased by the Cardinals, promoting him to the major leagues. He made his debut on September 5 and was later named the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year.

2016: MLB Debut

In 2016, Carson Kelly made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

2017: Minor and Major League Play

In 2017, Carson Kelly played for the Memphis Redbirds, earning Minor League Player of the Month for May, and was later recalled to St. Louis. He replaced Eric Fryer as the backup catcher to Yadier Molina and finished the season with the Cardinals.

December 5, 2018: Traded to the Diamondbacks

On December 5, 2018, Carson Kelly was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Luke Weaver, Andy Young, and a draft pick, in exchange for Paul Goldschmidt.

2018: Traded to the Diamondbacks

After the 2018 season, Carson Kelly was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2018: Minor and Major League Play and Injury

In 2018, Carson Kelly began the season with the Memphis Redbirds, received his first promotion to the major leagues on May 6 when Molina was injured but was placed on the disabled list on May 17 with a right hamstring sprain, returning to the active roster on May 26.

2018: Brother Drafted by Cardinals

In 2018, Carson Kelly's younger brother, Parker, was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 20th round of the MLB draft.

2019: Starting Catcher and Home Run Record

In 2019, Carson Kelly became the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting catcher and tied Miguel Montero's record for most home runs hit by a catcher in a season, with 18.

2019: Starting Catcher and Record-Tying Season

In 2019, Carson Kelly became the Diamondbacks' starting catcher, tying a team record with 18 home runs in a season for a catcher. He played in 111 games with a .245 batting average.

2020: Season and Pitching Appearance

In 2020, Carson Kelly appeared in a majority of games at the catching position for the Diamondbacks and also pitched a scoreless inning in a game against the San Diego Padres on August 9. He batted .221 with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 39 games.

2022: Season with Diamondbacks

In 2022, Carson Kelly played 104 games for the Diamondbacks, batting .211 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs.

January 13, 2023: Contract Agreement with Diamondbacks

On January 13, 2023, Carson Kelly agreed to a one-year, $4.275 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration.

August 19, 2023: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On August 19, 2023, Carson Kelly signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers, which included a club option for the 2024 season.

July 28, 2024: Traded to the Texas Rangers

On July 28, 2024, the Detroit Tigers traded Carson Kelly to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Tyler Owens and Liam Hicks. He played 31 games for Texas, batting .235.

December 13, 2024: Signed with Chicago Cubs

On December 13, 2024, Carson Kelly signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, which included a mutual option for 2027.

2024: Season with Tigers

In 2024, Carson Kelly appeared in 60 contests for the Tigers, hitting .240 with seven home runs and 29 RBI.

2024: Club Option Picked Up

In 2024, the Detroit Tigers picked up Carson Kelly's $3.5 million club option.

March 31, 2025: Hit for the Cycle

On March 31, 2025, in just his third game with the Chicago Cubs, Carson Kelly hit for the cycle in an 18–3 victory against the Athletics, becoming the first Cub to achieve the feat since Mark Grace in 1993 and the first player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in the month of March.