DaShawn Keirsey Jr.

DaShawn Robert Keirsey Jr. Bio

DaShawn Robert Keirsey Jr. (born May 13, 1997) is an American professional baseball outfielder currently affiliated with the Atlanta Braves organization. He made his Major League Baseball debut with the Minnesota Twins in September 2024 and appeared in 74 games with the club during the 2025 season. Keirsey, who played college baseball at the University of Utah, was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He became the 21st Ute to reach the major leagues when he received his first call-up. Following the 2025 season, Keirsey signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves in December 2025.

Early Life and Background

DaShawn Robert Keirsey Jr. was born on May 13, 1997. He grew up in California and attended Helix High School in La Mesa, California, where he developed into a notable baseball player during his high school career. His performance at the prep level earned him recognition and provided the foundation for his advancement to collegiate baseball.

Path to Professional Baseball

After graduating from Helix High School, Keirsey continued his baseball career at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Utah baseball program, representing the Utes. During his junior season in 2018, Keirsey emerged as a standout hitter, recording a .386 batting average with four home runs, 22 RBI, and 23 doubles across 50 games. His impressive campaign with Utah positioned him well for the upcoming MLB Draft and caught the attention of professional scouts.

DaShawn Robert Keirsey Jr. Career

Minor League Development (2018–2023)

Keirsey was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the fourth round with the 124th overall pick in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. He began his professional career with the rookie-level Elizabethton Twins. The following season in 2019, Keirsey split time between Elizabethton and the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels, combining to slash .150/.266/.170 with 14 RBI and three stolen bases across 43 games. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keirsey returned to action in 2021 with Cedar Rapids and the rookie-level Florida Complex League Twins. He displayed improved power, hitting .211/.305/.428 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, and 11 stolen bases over 48 games. In 2022 with the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge, Keirsey continued his development, posting a .271/.329/.395 batting line with seven home runs, 48 RBI, and 42 stolen bases across 121 games. His 2023 season proved to be a breakthrough as he split time between Wichita and the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, where he hit .294/.366/.455 with career-high totals of 15 home runs, 61 RBI, and 39 stolen bases in 130 games combined.

Minnesota Twins Breakthrough (2024–2025)

Keirsey opened the 2024 season with Triple-A St. Paul, where he continued his strong offensive production by batting .292/.363/.477 with 14 home runs, 75 RBI, and 36 stolen bases over 103 games. His performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues, as the Twins selected him to the 40-man roster on September 5, 2024. He made his MLB debut that day, going 2-for-14 at the plate during his brief stint with the club to close out the regular season.

The 2025 season marked Keirsey’s first full year in the majors. He appeared in 74 games with Minnesota, where he recorded a standout moment on May 11, 2025, delivering a walk-off single against the San Francisco Giants. Overall, he batted .107/.138/.179 with two home runs, six RBI, and 10 stolen bases. The Twins designated Keirsey for assignment on November 21, 2025, following the acquisition of Alex Jackson. Minnesota non-tendered him later that day, making him a free agent.

Atlanta Braves Era (2025–Present)

On December 18, 2025, Keirsey signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. He reported to spring training with the organization as he worked toward another opportunity at the major league level. On June 4, 2026, the Braves added Keirsey to their 40-man roster and optioned him to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, indicating he remained in the organizational depth chart while continuing his development at the highest minor league level.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Keirsey’s career highlights, his walk-off single against the San Francisco Giants on May 11, 2025, stands out as a memorable big-league moment. He also became the 21st player from the University of Utah baseball program to reach the major leagues, representing a significant achievement for his college program. His consistent stolen base production throughout his minor league career, including a 42-steal season with Wichita in 2022 and a 39-steal campaign in 2023, established him as a threat on the basepaths at every level.

DaShawn Robert Keirsey Jr. Career Statistics

Across parts of two Major League Baseball seasons with the Minnesota Twins through the 2025 campaign, Keirsey has appeared in 76 total games. He has demonstrated versatility as a corner outfielder while contributing both offensively and on the bases during his time in the majors.