Riley Adams Bio
Riley Keaton Adams is an American professional baseball catcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his impressive college career with the San Diego Toreros, Adams continues to make significant contributions in the MLB since his debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Riley Keaton Adams was born on June 26, 1996, in Encinitas, California. He attended Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, California, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete, participating in both basketball and baseball. In basketball, he once recorded an impressive 31 rebounds in a single game. In baseball, he joined the varsity team as a freshman, initially playing shortstop before transitioning to catcher in his sophomore year at the request of his coach. The Chicago Cubs selected Adams in the 37th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft, but he chose to pursue his education at the University of San Diego instead.
Path to Baseball
At the University of San Diego, Adams played college baseball for the San Diego Toreros. During the summer of 2016, he showcased his skills in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Orleans Firebirds, where he earned all-star honors. Adams was recognized as a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award on two occasions. In 2017, he was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year, concluding his college career with a .305 batting average, 24 home runs, and 110 runs batted in across 159 games.
Riley Adams Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
The Toronto Blue Jays selected Riley Adams in the third round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, with the 99th overall pick. He signed with the team for a $542,000 signing bonus and made his professional debut with the Vancouver Canadians in the Low-A Northwest League. In 2017, he played 52 games for the Canadians, achieving a .305 batting average with three home runs and 35 runs batted in. In 2018, he played for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the High-A Florida State League, where he recorded a batting line of .246/.352/.361 with four home runs and 43 runs batted in over 99 games. In 2019, Adams continued to develop his skills with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, hitting .258 with 11 home runs in 81 games. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the Minor League Baseball season in 2020, preventing him from playing that year, but he was added to the Blue Jays’ 60-man player pool.
Breakthrough (2021)
On May 2, 2021, Riley Adams was promoted to the major leagues for the first time after backup catcher Alejandro Kirk was placed on the injured list. Although he was optioned back to Triple-A without making an appearance, he was recalled on June 8, 2021. Adams made his MLB debut that day as the starting catcher against the Chicago White Sox, where he recorded his first career hit, a double off pitcher Carlos Rodón. Later that season, he was traded to the Washington Nationals for reliever Brad Hand on July 29, 2021. Adams made an immediate impact with the Nationals, achieving his first hit, home run, and run batted in against the Atlanta Braves on August 7, 2021. He finished the 2021 season with a batting average of .268, two home runs, and 10 runs batted in over 35 games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adams continued to develop his career with the Nationals, making 48 appearances in the 2022 season, where he hit five home runs and recorded 10 runs batted in. In 2023, he played in 44 games, batting .273 with four home runs and 21 runs batted in. However, his season ended prematurely due to a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, requiring surgery on September 11, 2023. Adams is expected to start the 2024 season on the major league roster, with plans to gain more playing time as both a catcher and first baseman.
Riley Adams Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Riley Adams has been recognized for his achievements, particularly during his college years, where he was a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award.
Riley Adams Awards Won
While specific awards won during his professional career remain unlisted, Adams has achieved notable milestones, including being named West Coast Conference Player of the Year during his college tenure.
Riley Adams Family
Details about Riley Adams’ family are limited, but it is known that he has an elder brother, Cameron, who played college baseball at Washington University in St. Louis.
Personal Life
Adams began practicing karate at the age of three, earning a second-degree black belt by age 13. He was also an accomplished science fair competitor, participating in the California State Science Fair for his studies on pampas grass. Adams’ diverse interests in sports and academics highlight his well-rounded background as he continues to pursue his baseball career.