Kyle Grant Isbel, a talented center fielder for the Kansas City Royals, has steadily built a reputation as a reliable and versatile player in Major League Baseball (MLB). Since his debut in 2021, Isbel has showcased his skills both offensively and defensively, earning recognition for his consistent performances.
He continues to be an integral part of the Royals’ roster. This article provides an in-depth look at Kyle Isbel’s personal life, early career, professional journey, financial details, and achievements.
Kyle Isbel’s Biography
| Full Name | Kyle Grant Isbel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthplace | Fontana, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’11” |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Education | University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | $4.65 million |
| Salary | $1.75 million |
| Wife | Priscilla Isbel |
| Children | Lane Grant Isbel (born April 11, 2023) |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Kyle Isbel grew up in Fontana, California, where his passion for baseball began at a young age. He attended Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he excelled on the field. During his junior year in high school, he hit an impressive .347 batting average. His performance earned him a scholarship to play collegiate baseball at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV).
At UNLV, Isbel quickly established himself as a standout player. In his freshman year (2016), he batted .319 with one home run and 28 RBIs over 56 games, earning Mountain West Conference Co-Freshman of the Year honors. That summer, he further honed his skills playing for the Santa Barbara Foresters in the California Collegiate League.
In his sophomore season in 2017, Isbel continued to impress with a .290 batting average and six home runs across 55 games. He also competed in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox and was named a league All-Star.
His junior year in 2018 was pivotal; he slashed .357/.441/.643 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs over 59 games. This outstanding performance earned him First-Team All-Mountain West honors and caught the attention of MLB scouts.
The Kansas City Royals selected Isbel in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft (94th overall), signing him to a $592,300 contract. His journey from college standout to professional athlete was marked by determination and skill development.
Professional Career
Kyle Isbel began his professional career with the Idaho Falls Chukars in Rookie-level ball before being promoted to the Lexington Legends in Class A. In his debut season across both teams, he batted .326 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs over 64 games. His speed on the base paths was evident as he stole 24 bases that year.
In 2019, Isbel faced challenges due to injuries but still managed to make an impact with the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Despite limited playing time that year, he participated in the Arizona Fall League and earned All-Star honors.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted minor league seasons in 2020; however, Isbel made significant strides during this time. In 2021, he made his MLB debut for the Kansas City Royals on April 1 against the Texas Rangers. In that game, he went three-for-five at the plate with two RBIs—a promising start to his major league career.
Over subsequent seasons, Isbel became known for his defensive prowess in center field and steady offensive contributions. By 2024, he had solidified himself as one of the Royals’ most reliable outfielders. His defensive metrics ranked among the best in MLB center fielders that year.
Injuries occasionally sidelined him during his career but did not deter his progress. By April 2025, Kyle Isbel had accumulated a career batting average of .233 with 20 home runs and 114 RBIs over four MLB seasons.
Wife
Kyle Isbel is married to Priscilla Isbel. The couple tied the knot in January 2021 and has since built a loving family together.
They welcomed their first child, Lane Grant Isbel, on April 11, 2023. Priscilla is known for her active support of Kyle’s career and is often seen engaging with the baseball community. She recently shared a heartfelt post celebrating a friend’s birthday, accompanied by a photo of their son at a ballpark, reflecting her involvement in both family and social circles.
Kyle and Priscilla reside in Surprise, Arizona, where they balance their life as parents and Kyle’s demanding MLB schedule. Despite his commitments as a professional athlete, Kyle prioritizes family time and frequently acknowledges Priscilla’s role in supporting his journey. Their relationship exemplifies mutual respect and partnership, with Priscilla often sharing glimpses of their life through social media interactions.
Kyle Isbel’s Net Worth Details
Kyle Isbel’s net worth is estimated to be $4.65 million as of 2025.
Contract
Kyle Isbel signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals on January 9, 2025, to avoid arbitration. The deal is worth $1.75 million, which is fully guaranteed and represents his base salary for the 2025 MLB season. This agreement reflects Isbel’s value as a reliable outfielder and an integral part of the Royals’ roster.
Under MLB rules, players with three or more years of service but less than six years are eligible for salary arbitration, allowing them to negotiate their pay based on performance and market value. Isbel’s contract ensures stability for both the player and the team while avoiding a formal arbitration hearing, which can sometimes lead to strained relations.
He remains under team control through the 2027 season, after which he will become a free agent in 2028. This contract highlights his growing role within the Royals organization and positions him as a key contributor for the upcoming season.
Salary
Kyle Isbel’s salary for the 2025 MLB season is $1,750,000, which is fully guaranteed under his one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. This deal was finalized on January 9, 2025, as part of the arbitration process, ensuring that both the player and the team avoided a formal hearing. Isbel’s salary reflects his growing importance to the Royals as a dependable center fielder with solid defensive skills and consistent offensive contributions.
The $1.75 million salary represents a significant increase compared to his previous earnings, showcasing his progression in the league since his debut in 2021. As a first-time arbitration-eligible player, this salary aligns with his performance metrics and market value within MLB. Isbel remains under team control through 2027, with future arbitration opportunities expected to further increase his earnings before he becomes a free agent in 2028.
Career Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | – | $592,300 | $592,300 |
| 2021 | $131,881 | – | $131,881 |
| 2022 | $694,260 | – | $694,260 |
| 2023 | $727,500 | – | $727,500 |
| 2024 | $758,250 | – | $758,250 |
| 2025 | $1,750,000 | – | $1,750,000 |
| Total | $4,061,891 | $592,300 | $4,654,191 |
MLB Career Stats
| Year | Games Played | At-Bats | Hits | Doubles | Triples | Home Runs | RBIs | Stolen Bases | Batting Avg | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28 | 76 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 | .276 | .337 | .355 | .692 |
| 2022 | 106 | 256 | 54 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 9 | .211 | .264 | .340 | .604 |
| 2023 | 91 | 292 | 70 | 16 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 7 | .240 | .296 | .365 | .661 |
| 2024 | 136 | 384 | 88 | 20 | 6 | 8 | 42 | 11 | .229 | .273 | .371 | .644 |
| 2025 (Current) | 10 | 27 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | .296 | .321 | .419 | .740 |
| Career Total | 371 | 1,035 | 241 | 51 | 16 | 20 | 114 | 29 | .233 | .284 | .371 | .655 |
FAQs
1. Who is Kyle Isbel?
Kyle Isbel is a professional baseball outfielder for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on March 3, 1997, in Fontana, California, he was drafted by the Royals in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2021, and plays primarily as a center fielder.
2. What are Kyle Isbel’s career MLB statistics?
Kyle Isbel has accumulated 1,016 at-bats in his MLB career with a batting average of .231. He has hit 19 home runs, driven in 111 runs (RBIs), stolen 29 bases, and has an OPS of .652. His performance highlights his defensive skills and versatility in the outfield.
3. What college did Kyle Isbel attend?
Kyle Isbel attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he played college baseball for the UNLV Rebels. His strong performance at UNLV helped him become a notable prospect in the 2018 MLB Draft.
4. What injuries has Kyle Isbel dealt with during his career?
Kyle Isbel has faced several injuries, including a left hamstring strain that placed him on the injured list in May 2023. He has worked with trainers to improve his running form and reduce stress on his hamstrings to stay healthier for future seasons.
5. How does Kyle Isbel compare to other center fielders?
Kyle Isbel is known for his strong defense and speed. In 2024, he ranked third among AL center fielders in triples and had a solid strikeout rate of 18.8%. While his power numbers are modest compared to peers like Michael A. Taylor or Kevin Kiermaier, his plate discipline and defensive reliability make him a valuable player.
6. What awards has Kyle Isbel won?
Kyle Isbel has been recognized as a MiLB.com Organization All-Star twice (2018 and 2021) while playing for the Kansas City Royals organization. Additionally, he was named an AFL Rising Star in 2019 during his time with the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League.
7. What are Kyle Isbel’s minor league achievements?
In his minor league career, Kyle Isbel recorded a batting average of .277 over 928 at-bats with 32 home runs, 127 RBIs, and an OPS of .808. These stats highlight his offensive potential before transitioning to the major leagues.
8. What role does Kyle Isbel play on the Kansas City Royals roster?
Kyle Isbel serves as a versatile outfielder for the Royals, primarily playing center field. In recent seasons, he has been utilized as a strong-side platoon option due to his defensive skills and ability to handle both left- and right-handed pitching effectively.
9. How did Kyle Isbel perform in the 2024 season?
Kyle Isbel played in 136 games, recording a .232 batting average with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and an OPS of .374. His contributions were particularly notable on defense and as part of key offensive moments during games.
10. What is Kyle Isbel’s contract status with the Royals?
Kyle Isbel avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract worth $1.75 million with the Kansas City Royals for the 2024 season. As of now, he remains an active member of their roster heading into subsequent seasons.
