Austin Shenton, a promising baseball talent for the Tampa Bay Rays, has made waves in the professional baseball world. Born on January 27, 1998, Shenton has had a rollercoaster journey in the sport, showcasing flashes of brilliance but also battling setbacks like injuries and inconsistency. As of 2024, he’s been part of the Rays’ roster, although his future in the majors is uncertain after recent moves by the team. Let’s dive into Austin Shenton’s baseball career, latest news, and stats.
Shenton’s journey began when the Seattle Mariners drafted him in 2019, but his story truly took shape after his 2021 trade to the Tampa Bay Rays. His time in the minors was marked by solid performances, particularly as a power-hitting third baseman. However, his brief stints in the Major Leagues have been challenging. While his batting has shown potential, his struggles with strikeouts and health issues have kept him from establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the big leagues. As of November 2024, Shenton was designated for assignment by the Rays, raising questions about his future in the organization.
Summary of Austin Shenton
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Austin Shenton |
| Born | January 27, 1998 |
| Drafted By | Seattle Mariners, 2019 |
| Trade to Rays | Traded in July 2021 |
| Position | Third Baseman |
| 2024 MLB Stats | .214 Batting Average, .340 OBP, .405 SLG |
| Salary (2024) | $740,000 |
| Net Worth | $336,600 |
| Minor League Performance | .258 Avg, 12 Home Runs in Triple-A |
| Current Status | Designated for Assignment (Nov 2024) |
Key Takeaways
- Austin Shenton was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 and traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
- He’s primarily known for his power-hitting ability, particularly in the Minor Leagues, where he has shown promising stats.
- As of 2024, Shenton’s performance in the Major Leagues has been inconsistent, with a career batting average of .214 in 50 plate appearances.
- Recently, he was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays, casting uncertainty on his future with the team.
- Shenton’s salary for 2024 is approximately $740,000, typical for a player in his pre-arbitration years.
Austin Shenton’s Stats and Performance in 2024
As a player for the Tampa Bay Rays, Austin Shenton has had limited exposure in Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2024, he accumulated 50 plate appearances, posting a .214 batting average. His on-base percentage sits at .340, and his slugging percentage is .405. These numbers indicate potential, especially when you look at his ability to get on base and hit for power. However, consistency has been an issue.
In the Minor Leagues, Shenton has experienced more success. In Triple-A, he played 83 games and hit .258 with 12 home runs. His minor league performance indicates that with more development, Shenton could evolve into a significant player for the Rays, or any other team that might take interest in his potential.
Austin Shenton’s Salary and Value
For the 2024 season, Austin Shenton’s salary is projected to be around $740,000. This is standard for a player in his position—one who has yet to enter the arbitration phase of his career. This salary puts him in a relatively low financial bracket compared to veteran players but still reflects his value as a developing talent within the Rays organization. Shenton’s net worth is estimated at around $336,600, a sum influenced by his baseball career earnings and other possible revenue sources.
Austin Shenton’s Trade to the Tampa Bay Rays
Austin Shenton was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 but was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2021. The trade was part of a larger deal that sent pitcher Diego Castillo to Seattle, with Shenton being one of the key prospects that the Rays acquired in exchange. The trade highlighted Tampa Bay’s interest in Shenton’s potential as a power hitter and his ability to contribute offensively, particularly in the corner infield positions.
Since joining the Rays, Shenton has spent considerable time in the Minor Leagues, working on refining his skills. Although he has had some call-ups to the major league team, he has struggled to secure a permanent role in the starting lineup.
Austin Shenton’s Challenges in the Major Leagues
Despite his strong performances in the Minors, Shenton has faced challenges adjusting to Major League Baseball. His most significant obstacles include injuries and a tendency to strike out frequently, which have hindered his development at the highest level. Although his power-hitting ability is undeniable, Shenton’s inability to consistently make contact and avoid strikeouts has limited his opportunities with the Rays.
Shenton’s time with the Rays has also been affected by the team’s shifting priorities. As the Rays continue to build a competitive roster, they have had to make tough decisions about who stays and who is designated for assignment. Unfortunately, on November 19, 2024, Shenton was designated for assignment, indicating that the Rays are reassessing their depth chart and roster needs ahead of the upcoming season.
Austin Shenton’s Future in Baseball
Looking ahead, the future of Austin Shenton in MLB remains uncertain. Being designated for assignment by the Rays doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his career with the team, but it does create a lot of questions about where he will play next. Other teams may have interest in acquiring Shenton if the Rays choose to waive him, but it is also possible that he could continue to work on his development in the Minor Leagues for another year.
For Shenton, the key will be overcoming his inconsistency at the plate and staying healthy. If he can refine his batting technique and become more reliable, he could eventually find a spot on an MLB roster once again. Whether with the Rays or another team, Shenton’s story is far from over, and his potential still excites fans and analysts alike.
FAQs
Who is Austin Shenton?
Austin Shenton is a professional baseball player who plays as a third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 and traded to the Rays in 2021.
What are Austin Shenton’s stats in 2024?
In 2024, Austin Shenton played in 50 MLB games, with a .214 batting average, a .340 on-base percentage, and a .405 slugging percentage. In the Minor Leagues, he posted a .258 batting average with 12 home runs in 83 games.
Why was Austin Shenton designated for assignment?
On November 19, 2024, the Tampa Bay Rays designated Austin Shenton for assignment as part of their roster adjustments. This decision comes after Shenton’s struggles with injuries and inconsistencies in his Major League performance.
What is Austin Shenton’s salary?
For the 2024 season, Austin Shenton’s salary is approximately $740,000, which is typical for a player in his pre-arbitration years.
How did Austin Shenton join the Tampa Bay Rays?
Shenton was traded to the Rays in July 2021 as part of a deal that sent pitcher Diego Castillo to the Seattle Mariners. The Rays saw potential in Shenton’s offensive abilities and power-hitting.
What are the challenges Austin Shenton faces in MLB?
Austin Shenton has struggled with consistency at the Major League level, particularly with strikeouts. His health has also been a factor in limiting his playing time, which has made it difficult for him to secure a permanent spot in the Rays’ lineup.