Addison Russell

Russell was born on January 23, 1994, in Pensacola, Florida, the eldest of four children raised by mother Milany Ocampo-Russell and stepfather Wayne Russell.{{cite news|last1=LeRoy|first1=Oscar|title=Rising star Russell ready to show skills in Midland|url=http://www.mrt.com/sports/article_bf0fc86e-bad2-11e3-a7ed-0019bb2963f4.html|access-date=February 27, 2014|work=Midland Reporter Telegram|date=April 2, 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Ashley |date=April 21, 2015 |title=Cubs call up No. 2 prospect Russell |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-119534306 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=Minor League Baseball}} Russell's mother is Filipina.{{cite news |last1=Muskat |first1=Carrie |date=May 4, 2016 |title=Russell admires the strong women in his life |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/addison-russell-celebrates-wife-and-mother-c176210460 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=MLB.com}} The full name on Russell's birth certificate is Geoffreye O'Neal Addison Robert Watts Jr III. He was nearly killed by human respiratory syncytial virus at three months old. He was adopted by his stepfather, Wayne, at 13 years old and took the name Addison Wayne Russell.{{cite news|last1=Nightengale|first1=Bob|title=After greatest year of his life, Cubs star Addison Russell vows to stay humble|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2017/02/09/addison-russell-cubs/97693202/|access-date=31 December 2017|work=USA Today|date=February 9, 2017|language=en}}

Russell attended Pace High School in Florida and in 2010 led his high school to a class 5A FHSAA baseball state championship and a runner-up finish in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/537779/eight-things-know-cubs-mega-prospect-addison-russell |newspaper=Chicago Sun Times |title=Eight things to know about Cubs mega-prospect Addison Russell |date=April 21, 2015 |access-date=December 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222115903/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/537779/eight-things-know-cubs-mega-prospect-addison-russell |archive-date=December 22, 2015 }} Russell played in the 2010 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, was named a Perfect Game Aflac All-American Game participant and a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American in 2011. He was also ranked as the No. 18 high school prospect by Baseball America and as the No. 24 high school prospect by Perfect Game. In his final high school baseball season, Russell hit for a .368 batting average and recorded a .532 on base percentage. Russell also played high school football at the running back position.{{cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/ostler/article/Shortstop-Russell-is-taking-fast-track-to-big-5264171.php | newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle | title=Shortstop Russell is taking fast track to big leagues | date=February 25, 2014 | access-date=December 21, 2015 | author=Ostler, Scott}}

In November 2011, Russell signed a National Letter of Intent to play college baseball at Auburn University for the Tigers baseball team.{{cite web | url=http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/120211aaa.html | title=BASEBALL SIGNEES DAHL AND RUSSELL WIN GOLD WITH USA BASEBALL 18U TEAM | publisher=Auburn Athletics | date=December 11, 2011 | access-date=December 19, 2015 | archive-date=May 12, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512222339/http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/120211aaa.html | url-status=dead }}

Russell was a member of the USA Baseball 18U National Team at the 2011 COPABE 18U/AAA Pan American games that won a gold medal. At the tournament, Russell batted .393, going 11-for-28 with three doubles, a triple and a home run, driving in nine RBIs and scoring 11 runs. During the championship game against Team Canada, Russell hit a grand slam and was named First-Team All Tournament as Shortstop for his efforts.{{cite web | url=http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111127&content_id=26045882 | publisher=USA Baseball | title=USA tops Canada, 12–2; wins gold | date=November 27, 2011 | access-date=December 21, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135215/http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111127&content_id=26045882 | archive-date=December 22, 2015 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} At the tournament for Team USA, Russell played alongside future professional baseball players Albert Almora, Alex Bregman, David Dahl, Joey Gallo, and Carson Kelly.

Russell was drafted by the Oakland Athletics with the 11th overall pick of the first round in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft out of Pace High School in Pace, Florida.{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/32759162/|title=A's nab high school infielder Russell at No. 11|work=Oakland Athletics|access-date=April 26, 2015|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116022920/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/32759162//|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-05 |title=A's pick high school shortstop at No. 11 |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/as-pick-high-school-shortstop-at-no-11/1281043/?blockID=719406&feedID=2539 |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=NBC Sports Bay Area & California |language=en-US}} Russell received a $2.625 million signing bonus for signing with the A's instead of attending Auburn. He was also the first high school athlete selected by the A's in the first round of the draft since Jeremy Bonderman in 2001.

Russell started his career with the Arizona League Athletics, where he hit .415/.488/.717 with six home runs and 29 runs batted in in 26 games. He was then promoted to the Vermont Lake Monsters and hit .340/.386/.509 with one home run in 13 games. He finished the season with the Class-A Burlington Bees, hitting .310/.369/.448 in 16 games. Overall, he finished his first season hitting .369/.432/.594 with seven home runs and 45 runs batted in 55 games. In 2012, he was named an Oakland MILB.com organization All-Star and an AZL post-season All-Star.{{cite web |title=Addison Russell Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/addison-russell-608365#sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2015&gameType=%27R%27&level=%27MLB%27 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=MLB.com}}

Prior to the 2013 season, Russell was the Athletics' best prospect according to Baseball America.{{cite web |title=Addison Russell, SS, Cubs |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/2601 |access-date=May 10, 2015 |website=Baseball America}} He was also named the best prospect in the Arizona League.{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Bill |date=September 24, 2012 |title=2012 AZL Top 20 Prospects |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2012/2614076.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926195752/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2012/2614076.html |archive-date=2012-09-26 |work=Baseball America}} In 2013, he was named an Oakland MILB.com organization All-Star, a California League (CAL) rookie of the year,{{cite news |date=August 23, 2013 |title=Cal League reveals awards, All-Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-58056574 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=Minor League Baseball}} a CAL post-season All-Star, and a CAL Futures Game selection.{{cite news|last1=Berra|first1=Lindsay|title=Russell, Ynoa represent A's in Futures Game|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/addison-russell-michael-ynoa-represent-oakland-as-in-futures-game/c-53758100|access-date=February 27, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=July 14, 2013|archive-date=July 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707054312/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/53758100/|url-status=live}} Playing for Mesa, he was also named to the AFL All-Prospect Team, and an AFL Rising Star.

On July 4, 2014, Russell, along with pitcher Dan Straily, outfielder Billy McKinney, and a player to be named later, was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Jason Hammel and pitcher Jeff Samardzija.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jesse |date=2014-07-05 |title=Cubs trade Samardzija, Hammel to Athletics |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11177585/chicago-cubs-trade-jeff-samardzija-jason-hammel-oakland-athletics |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

{{Cite web |last=Pouliot |first=Matthew |date=2014-07-04 |title=A's acquire Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel from Cubs for Addison Russell |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/as-cubs-in-serious-talks-about-jeff-samadzija-jason-hammel |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}

The Cubs sent Russell to the Arizona Fall League for the second time at the end of the 2014 minor league season.{{cite news|last1=Callis|first1=Jim|title=Cubs Arizona Fall League overview|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/99760770/chicago-cubs-arizona-fall-league-overview|access-date=February 27, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=October 27, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073330/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/99760770/chicago-cubs-arizona-fall-league-overview|url-status=dead}}

Baseball America named him the #3 prospect before the 2015 season.{{cite web |date=February 20, 2015 |title=2015 Top 100 Prospects |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/2015-top-100-prospects/t/arizona-diamondbacks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529125601/https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2015-top-100-prospects/ |archive-date=2023-05-29 |work=Baseball America}} On April 21, Russell was called up to the 25-man roster to play second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25156722/cubs-are-calling-infield-prodigy-addison-russell-up-to-the-majors |title=Cubs call up infield prodigy Addison Russell to majors|first=Jon|last=Heyman|publisher=CBSSPORTS.com|date=April 20, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/04/21/addison-russell-chicago-cubs-callup |title=Cubs' future grows brighter with call-up of top prospect Addison Russell|first=Jon|last=Tayler|publisher=SI.com|date=April 20, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2015}} On May 1, Russell hit his first career home run off of Wily Peralta in a 1–0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web |last1=Snyder |first1=Matt |date=2015-05-01 |title=Russell's first career HR lifts Cubs 1–0 over Brewers. |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-addison-russell-hits-first-career-home-run/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092037/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25170513/watch-addison-russell-hits-first-career-home-run |archive-date=2015-05-18 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=CBS Sports}} He moved to his normal infield position at shortstop in early August, replacing three-time All-Star Starlin Castro. Russell committed only two errors in 52 games as the regular Cubs shortstop.{{cite news|last1=Gonzales|first1=Mark|title=At 21, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is a true student of the game|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-addison-russell-preparation-cubs-pirates-spt-1006-20151005-story.html|access-date=October 14, 2015|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=Chicago Tribune}}

In the 2015 postseason, he had 3 hits in 12 at bats with 1 RBI. Cardinals pitcher John Lackey had a no-hitter into the sixth. Russell's single was the first hit. He hit a triple in the late innings of the third NLDS game and was slightly injured sliding into third. He did not play in Game 4. After the Cubs defeated the Cardinals in the NLDS to advance to the NLCS to face the New York Mets, it was announced that Russell had pulled his hamstring. This injury kept him out of the NLCS.

After the season, the Cubs acquired Jason Heyward. Russell gave up his jersey number, 22, to Heyward, and switched to number 27 in honor of Eddie George.{{cite news | url=http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/2299769/cubs-addison-russell-number-change | newspaper=Chicago Sun Times | title=Cubs' Addison Russell flipping number from 22 to 27 | date=December 16, 2015 | access-date=December 21, 2015 | author=Thele, Kyle | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706191529/http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/2299769/cubs-addison-russell-number-change/ | archive-date=July 6, 2017 | df=mdy-all }}

Batting .242 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs, Russell was the starting shortstop at the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=July 5, 2016 |title=All-Star rosters packed with dynamic talent |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2016-mlb-all-star-game-rosters-announced-c188071682 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712024805/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/188071682/2016-mlb-all-star-game-rosters-announced/ |archive-date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=MLB.com}} By the beginning of September of the 2016 season, Russell had 108 hits in 445 at bats with 19 home runs and 88 runs batted in. Russell had a bases-loaded game-winning hit in a late-season game against the San Francisco Giants.{{cite web |last1=Mooney |first1=Patrick |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Cubs could have a new Mr. October coming in Addison Russell |url=http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-could-have-new-mr-october-coming-addison-russell |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805060142/http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-could-have-new-mr-october-coming-addison-russell |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |access-date=September 2, 2016 |website=CSN Chicago}} He was 9-for-23 (.391) with 24 RBIs in bases-loaded situations for the year;{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/tiny/wa7hF|title=Batting Event Finder — Addison Russell: 2016, Plate Appearances, With Runners on 123|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=July 13, 2018}} the 9 bases-loaded hits led MLB for the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/tiny/Jm6Ij|title=Team Batting Event Finder: 2016, All Teams, Hits, With Runners on 123|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=July 13, 2018}} In the seventh inning of a different game, in a bases loaded situation, Russell made an acrobatic catch at the left field foul line for the final out of the inning.{{cite web |last1=Muskat |first1=Carrie |date=2016-09-01 |title=Pitt stop: Russell's great grab key for Cubs |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/addison-russell-robs-pirates-with-great-catch-c198889164 |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=MLB.com}} Russell finished the year with 95 RBIs and became the second Cub shortstop with over 90 for a season. Previously, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks accomplished this feat five times. Russell hit decisive two-run home runs in Games 4 and 5 of that year's National League Championship Series, helping the Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat en route to their first World Series win in 108 years.{{cite web |title=2016 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 4, Cubs at Dodgers, October 19 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN201610190.shtml |access-date=12 June 2018 |website=Baseball Reference}}{{cite web |title=2016 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 5, Cubs at Dodgers, October 20 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN201610200.shtml |access-date=12 June 2018 |website=Baseball Reference}}

On October 25, 2016, Addison Russell along with teammates Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, and Carl Edwards Jr., became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Both Russell and Fowler are the first African-Americans to start for the Cubs in a World Series due to it being the first World Series the Cubs have played in since desegregation.{{cite news | last = Collier | first = Jamal | title = Fowler Cubs' first African-American in Series: Center fielder will be first up in Game 1; Heyward, Edwards, Russell also honored by distinction | url = http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/206961888/dexter-fowler-set-for-history-in-world-series/ | work = mlb.com | date = October 25, 2016 | access-date = October 25, 2016 | archive-date = October 26, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080022/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/206961888/dexter-fowler-set-for-history-in-world-series/ | url-status = dead }}{{cite news | last = Muskat | first = Carrie | title = Cubs set roster for World Series vs. Indians: Schwarber returns after missing nearly all of season with knee injuries | url = http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/206994040/cubs-world-series-roster/ | work = mlb.com | date = October 25, 2016 | access-date = October 26, 2016 | archive-date = October 26, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161026230232/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/206994040/cubs-world-series-roster/ | url-status = dead }}{{cite news | title = Box Score: Game 1, 2016 World Series | url = https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-indians/2016/10/25/487631 | work = Gameday | publisher = mlb.com | date = October 25, 2016 | access-date = October 26, 2016 | archive-date = October 26, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161026164836/http://m.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-indians/2016/10/25/487631#game_tab=box,game=487631,game_state=final | url-status = live }}{{efn|Jackie Robinson's rookie season was 1947 which was two years after the Chicago Cubs appearance in the 1945 World Series. In 1953, Ernie Banks, known as Mr. Cub, became the first African-American on the Cubs roster.}} Russell hit the 19th grand slam in the history of the World Series in the sixth game and also tied an MLB record of 6 RBI by one player in a game on a team facing elimination from the fall classic. He became the first player to hit a grand slam in a World Series game since Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series.

On April 19, 2017, Russell hit his first career walk-off home run, a three-run shot against the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web |last1=Muskat |first1=Carrie |last2=McCalvy |first2=Adam |title=Cubs rally late with Russell's walk-off homer |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/russell-homer-completes-cubs-walkoff-over-crew-c225292404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518060200/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/225292404/russell-homer-completes-cubs-walkoff-over-crew/ |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |website=MLB.com}} On August 4, Russell was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a strained right foot.{{cite web |date=August 4, 2017 |title=Addison Russell goes on disabled list with strained foot |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20247050/chicago-cubs-place-ss-addison-russell-10-day-disabled-list-strained-foot?sf103771546=1 |access-date=August 4, 2017 |website=ESPN}} At that point in the season his batting average was .241 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI's.

On September 16, 2017, Russell returned from a long stint on the disabled list, and homered in his first at-bat.{{Cite web |last=Skrbina |first=Paul |date=September 16, 2017 |title=Cubs shortstop Addison Russell homers in pinch-hit return from disabled list |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/09/16/cubs-shortstop-addison-russell-homers-in-pinch-hit-return-from-disabled-list/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Chicago Tribune}}

Russell had a disappointing season (.250 BA, 5 HR, 38 RBI{{cite web |title=Addison Russell Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/russead02.shtml |access-date=May 9, 2018 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}), and he did not play again after September 19 due to MLB placing him on administrative leave as it investigated abuse allegations made against him by his ex-wife.{{cite web |last=Seligman |first=Andrew |date=October 3, 2018 |title=No Timetable on Finishing Addison Russell Investigation, MLB Commissioner Says |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/mlb/chicago-baseball/no-timetable-on-finishing-addison-russell-investigation-mlb-manfred/172374/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=NBC Chicago}}

Russell was suspended for the first 29 games of the season, finishing the 40-game suspension he received in 2018 as a result of allegations, found credible by MLB, that he abused his wife. Once his suspension was served, he reported to the Iowa Cubs.{{Cite web |title=Cubs option Russell to Triple-A after completing suspension |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/cubs-option-russell-to-triple-a-after-completing-suspension |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} He was recalled to Chicago on May 8.{{Cite web |last=Andracki |first=Tony |date=May 8, 2019 |title=Addison Russell called up from Triple-A; Zobrist taking a leave of absence |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/addison-russell-called-triple-zobrist-taking-leave-absence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509035653/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/addison-russell-called-triple-zobrist-taking-leave-absence |archive-date=2019-05-09 |website=NBC Sports}} Immediately, he switched from shortstop to second base. That night he went 0-for-3 with a walk against the Miami Marlins. The Wrigley Field crowd greeted Russell with mostly boos.{{Cite web |last=Pesice |first=Duane |date=2019-05-09 |title=Cub Tracks walks it off |url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/5/9/18537678/cub-tracks-walks-it-off |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Bleed Cubbie Blue |language=en}} Russell hit his first home run of the 2019 season on May 15 against the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs optioned Russell to AAA on July 24, 2019, to make room for catcher Willson Contreras. On December 2, 2019, Russell was non-tendered and became a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/addison-russell-non-tendered-by-cubs|title=Cubs non-tender Russell, tender 6 contracts|website=MLB.com|author=Jordan Bastian|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}

On June 19, 2020, Russell signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of KBO League.{{cite news |last1=Yoo |first1=Jee-ho |title=KBO's Kimwoom Heroes say ex-MLB player's domestic abuse case not as serious as known |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200620002700315 |access-date=June 20, 2020 |agency=Yonhap |date=June 20, 2020}} On July 28, 2020, Russell made his debut in KBO in a 6–2 win against the Doosan Bears with two RBIs and a run.{{Cite web|title=Addison Russell announces arrival with two RBIs and a run|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/07/29/sports/Baseball/addison-russell-kiwoom-heroes-debut-day/20200729194700328.html|access-date=2020-11-20|website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com|date=July 29, 2020 |language=en}} At the end of the season, his batting average was .254 with 2 home runs and 31 RBIs.{{Cite web|title=Addison Russell KBO League Batting Stats – Kiwoom Heroes|url=http://mykbostats.com/players/2102-Addison-Russell-Kiwoom-Heroes|access-date=2020-11-20|website=MyKBO Stats|language=en}} On November 27, the Heroes announced that they would not bring back Russell for the 2021 season, and he became a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20201127006400315|title=KBO's Heroes not bringing back ex-MLB player Addison Russell|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=November 27, 2020|date=November 27, 2020}}

On April 1, 2021, Russell signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.{{cite web|url=http://acereros.com.mx/suma-acereros-al-estelar-ligamayorista-addison-russell/|title=SUMA ACEREROS AL ESTELAR LIGAMAYORISTA ADDISON RUSSELL|website=acereros.com.mx|date=April 2021|language=ES|accessdate=April 1, 2021|archive-date=April 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401170745/http://acereros.com.mx/suma-acereros-al-estelar-ligamayorista-addison-russell/|url-status=dead}} In 66 games for Monclova, he batted .319/.405/.494 with 8 home runs and 47 RBI.

In 2022, Russell played in 80 games for Monclova, hitting .348/.443/.677 with 24 home runs, 74 RBI, and 8 stolen bases.

On December 11, 2022, Russell signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League. He played in 59 games for Kiwoom in 2023, hitting .286/.339/.400 with 4 home runs and 42 RBI. On July 13, 2023, Russell was released by the team after being hampered by a wrist injury since mid–June.{{Cite web|title=Kiwoom Heroes release injured Addison Russell, acquire Ronnie Dawson|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230713008851315|access-date=July 14, 2023|website=m-en.yna.co.kr|date=July 13, 2023 |language=en}}

On February 16, 2024, Russell signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Acereros: ¡Bienvenido a casa, Addison Russell!|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/acereros-bienvenido-a-casa-addison-russell|access-date=February 16, 2024|website=Minor League Baseball|language=en}} In 82 appearances for Monclova, he batted .319/.405/.446 with seven home runs, 51 RBI, and six stolen bases. Russell re-signed with Monclova for the 2025 season which will be his fourth with the team.

Russell has a daughter who was born in May 2015; her mother is Mallory Engstrom.{{Cite web |last=Orfanides |first=Effie |date=2017-06-08 |title=Melisa Russell, Addison's Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2017/06/addison-russell-wife-married-melisa-cheating-divorce-instagram-kids-photos/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Heavy Sports |language=en-US}} Russell and Melisa Reidy married in January 2016 in Milton, FL at Sowell Farms; they have a son who was born in August 2015.{{cite news|last1=Crasnick|first1=Jerry|author-link1=Jerry Crasnick|title=Cubs convinced Addison Russell will thrive at shortstop|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/SContheRoad_addisonrussell/addison-russell-knows-right-place-chicago-cubs|access-date=February 27, 2016|work=ESPN.com|date=February 26, 2016}} Russell's third child, a son, was born in October 2018 to girlfriend Asti Kelley.{{Cite web |last=Nightengale |first=Bob |date=2019-04-23 |title=Opinion: With MLB suspension coming to an end, reality sets in for Cubs shortstop Addison Russell |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2019/04/23/addison-russell-cubs-domestic-violence-suspension-return/3548992002/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=USA Today}}

In June 2017, Russell was accused, by an unknown party, of domestic violence against Reidy, an incident which led to Reidy filing for divorce.{{cite web |date=June 8, 2017 |title=MLB investigating domestic violence accusation against Addison Russell |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19578868/mlb-investigating-domestic-violence-accusation-chicago-cubs-addison-russell |access-date=June 8, 2017 |website=ESPN}} Two weeks after this initial allegation, Reidy's lawyer said that she would not be cooperating with MLB's investigation and that she "isn't interested in legitimizing anything that doesn't come from her".{{Cite news |last=Nightengale |first=Bob |author-link=Bob Nightengale |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Addison Russell's wife says she won't speak with MLB investigators |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/06/21/addison-russell-wife-mlb-domestic-violence-investigation/416595001/ |access-date=May 24, 2018 |work=USA Today}} Ultimately, Reidy did meet with MLB once she felt strong enough to do so.{{Cite web |last=Hille |first=Bob |date=2018-09-28 |title=Melisa Reidy-Russell has talked to MLB investigators about Addison Russell's alleged abuse |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/melisa-reidy-addison-russell-mlb-investigators-alleged-abuse-cubs-nl-central/1v1wubpwmlyan1fqq99uz3gbsz |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209045855/http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/melisa-reidy-addison-russell-mlb-investigators-alleged-abuse-cubs-nl-central/1v1wubpwmlyan1fqq99uz3gbsz |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |website=Sporting News}} MLB suspended Russell for 40 games as a result of its investigation.{{Cite web |last=Lott |first=Thomas |date=2018-10-03 |title=Cubs' Addison Russell releases statement following announcement of 40-game suspension |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/addison-russell-suspended-mlb-chicago-cubs-domestic-violence/1pble30lu8p5d18i3awuz4tpeg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000603/http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/addison-russell-suspended-mlb-chicago-cubs-domestic-violence/1pble30lu8p5d18i3awuz4tpeg |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |website=Sporting News}} Russell did not appeal the suspension.

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Category:1994 births

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