If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the name Trey Sweeney popping up alongside Hollywood powerhouse Sydney Sweeney. It happens every time Trey hits a home run or makes a slick play at shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. The internet immediately starts asking the same question: Are they related?
Honestly, the confusion is totally understandable. They share a last name, they’re both young, and they both hit the big leagues in their respective careers at roughly the same time. But when you dig into the actual family trees, the "brother-sister" narrative starts to fall apart pretty fast.
The Reality Behind the Trey Sweeney and Sydney Sweeney Connection
Let’s set the record straight: Trey Sweeney and Sydney Sweeney are not siblings. In fact, there is no public evidence that they are related at all.
Sydney does have a brother, but his name is Trent Sweeney. He’s a former actor and U.S. Air Force veteran who has occasionally appeared on her Instagram. Because "Trent" and "Trey" sound remarkably similar, people often conflate the two. It’s one of those classic internet rumors that gains legs because it feels like it should be true.
The Detroit Tigers even leaned into the chaos back in 2024. When Trey was called up to the majors and recorded his first hit against the Yankees, the team's social media account posted a cheeky "We heard Sweeney is trending" message. It was a brilliant bit of marketing that played off Sydney’s massive cultural footprint to shine a light on their rising star.
Who is Trey Sweeney, Anyway?
Trey is a pure Kentucky kid. Born in Louisville in 2000, he grew up playing ball at St. Xavier High School before becoming a standout at Eastern Illinois University. He wasn't some blue-chip recruit that everyone knew about from age twelve. He was actually the only Division I player to get a scholarship offer from EIU.
He eventually forced MLB scouts to pay attention by winning the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. The New York Yankees took him in the first round of the 2021 draft, and after a stint in the Dodgers' system, he found a home in Detroit. He's a 6-foot-2 shortstop with a lefty swing that has "big league regular" written all over it.
Sydney’s Actual Family Dynamic
Sydney Sweeney’s story is a bit different. She’s from the Pacific Northwest—specifically the Spokane, Washington area near the Idaho border. Her family famously went through significant financial struggles to support her acting dreams, eventually moving to Los Angeles when she was 13.
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Her brother Trent has stayed mostly out of the Hollywood limelight, though he’s been a vocal supporter of his sister’s success in Euphoria and The White Lotus. If you look at photos of Trent and Trey side-by-side, the resemblance isn't really there. Trent has a more rugged, outdoorsy vibe, while Trey looks every bit the professional athlete.
Why Do We Keep Linking Them?
Human brains love patterns. When two people with the same surname become famous at the same time, we want there to be a connection. It makes the world feel smaller and more interesting.
There's also the "Sweeney" of it all. It’s a classic Irish name, but it isn't exactly Smith or Jones. It's unique enough to feel specific but common enough that you'll find plenty of them in any phone book from Boston to Seattle.
Beyond the name, there's a shared "it factor." Sydney has become a generation-defining actress, and Trey is carving out a spot as a foundational piece of a Major League infield. They both represent a specific kind of American success story: the kid from a non-traditional background (a small school in Illinois or a rural town in Washington) who makes it to the absolute top.
Common Misconceptions to Clear Up
- Are they cousins? There is no confirmed genealogical link. Unless they share a very distant ancestor from the "Sweeney clan" in Ireland, they’re strangers.
- Did Trey appear in any of Sydney's shows? Nope. That’s usually people confusing him with Trent, who had minor acting roles years ago.
- Do they follow each other? As of now, they don't seem to have any public interaction on social media. Trey is focused on hitting fastballs; Sydney is busy running Fifty-Fifty Films.
What This Means for Fans
Basically, if you’re a Tigers fan hoping for a celebrity guest in the front row at Comerica Park, don't hold your breath for a family reunion. While Sydney has been spotted at baseball games before, she’s not there to cheer on her "brother" Trey.
However, the "Sweeney" brand is clearly having a moment. Whether it's on the silver screen or the diamond, the name is synonymous with high-level performance right now.
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How to Track the Real Story
If you want to keep up with the actual lives of these two, look at their specific career trajectories rather than the rumors.
- Follow MLB Pipeline or the Detroit Tigers' official beat writers for updates on Trey’s batting average and defensive stats.
- Watch trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter for Sydney’s upcoming production slate.
- Check the rosters. Remember: Trent is the brother, Trey is the ballplayer.
Next time you see a "Trey Sweeney Sydney Sweeney" headline, you can be the person in the group chat who actually knows the truth. It’s a case of coincidental branding, not a secret Hollywood-MLB dynasty.