Riley Adams (born May 9, 1996) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the third round of the 2017 MLB draft.
Amateur Career Adams attended Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, California, where he played high school baseball. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of San Diego (USD) and played college baseball for the Toreros. During his time at USD, he was a key offensive contributor and developed his defensive skills as a catcher. In 2016, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Professional Career
San Diego Padres Adams was selected by his hometown team, the San Diego Padres, in the third round (86th overall) of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He began his professional career with the rookie-level AZL Padres and was later promoted to the Class A Fort Wayne TinCaps. In 2018, he played for the Class A-Advanced Lake Elsinore Storm. He spent the 2019 season with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, where he contributed to their Texas League championship. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adams began the 2021 season with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.
Adams made his MLB debut for the Padres on July 2, 2021. In his brief time with the Padres, he appeared in 4 games, primarily as a backup catcher.
Washington Nationals On July 30, 2021, Adams was traded to the Washington Nationals along with minor league pitcher Jordan Weems in exchange for relief pitcher Daniel Hudson. He quickly joined the Nationals' active roster and earned a more significant role. Adams finished the 2021 season with the Nationals, appearing in 35 games and posting a .257 batting average with 3 home runs. He has since continued to serve as a catcher for the Nationals, sharing duties with other catchers on the roster and providing both defensive stability and offensive potential.