Stephen Kolek Bio
Stephen James Kolek is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres. Kolek attended Shepherd High School in Shepherd, Texas, before playing college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 to 2018. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, he began his professional career with the Ogden Raptors and has since played for multiple teams, establishing himself as a notable pitcher in the league.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Kolek was born on April 18, 1997. He grew up in Shepherd, Texas, where he developed an early interest in baseball. Kolek attended Shepherd High School, where he honed his skills as a pitcher. His performance in high school earned him recognition and led to his recruitment by Texas A&M University, where he played for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 to 2018. During his college career, he further developed his pitching abilities, which set the stage for his entry into professional baseball.
Path to Baseball
Kolek’s journey to professional baseball began when he was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He started his professional career with the rookie-level Ogden Raptors, where he showcased his talent with a remarkable 1.42 earned run average (ERA) and 30 strikeouts in 17 appearances. His success continued as he moved to the Single-A Great Lakes Loons, where he faced more challenging competition and continued to improve his game.
Stephen Kolek Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
After being traded to the Seattle Mariners in April 2021, Kolek split his time between various minor league teams, including the Single-A Modesto Nuts and Double-A Arkansas Travelers. In 2022, he made 27 starts for Arkansas, achieving a 6-13 record with a 4.51 ERA. His performance in 2023 included a promotion to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he recorded a 4.23 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 44 appearances.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
Kolek’s breakthrough came when he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the Rule 5 draft in December 2023. He made the Opening Day roster in March 2024 and appeared in 42 games out of the bullpen, compiling a 5.21 ERA. In early May 2025, he was recalled to the major league team as a starter, where he made an impressive debut by tossing 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings. His second start was a complete-game shutout, where he tied a Modern Era record for the largest margin in an individual shutout.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stephen Kolek’s notable achievements include his impressive performance during his debut season with the San Diego Padres and his record-setting complete-game shutout. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles has made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Stephen Kolek Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Stephen Kolek has shown potential for future award nominations, particularly with his standout performances in the MLB.
Stephen Kolek Awards Won
While Stephen Kolek has not yet received major awards, his achievements in the minor leagues and his recent performances in the MLB indicate a promising career ahead.
Stephen Kolek Family
Stephen Kolek has a brother named Tyler Kolek, who is also a professional baseball player and was the 2nd overall pick by the Miami Marlins in the 2014 MLB Draft. The Kolek family has a strong baseball background, contributing to Stephen’s passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Stephen Kolek’s personal life are limited, but his family connections in baseball highlight the influence of the sport in his life. As he continues his career with the Kansas City Royals, fans look forward to seeing his development as a player.