IBL's Guelph Royals sign Ueda

The Guelph Royals have signed reliever Gaku Ueda. He joins the Royals as their first announced import for the 2025 season. Photo: Guelph Royals

April 13, 2025

Guelph Royals release

GUELPH, ONT. - The Guelph Royals are excited to announce the signing of reliever Gaku Ueda.

Udea, 24, joins the Royals as their first announced import for the 2025 season.

Prior to joining the Royals, Udea toed the rubber for the Ishikawa Million Stars (Japan Indy) before pitching for Caimanes de Barranquilla in Columbia.

In Columbia, the righty was dominant, recording a 1.26 ERA in 20 appearances before representing Japan in the Caribbean Series.

Royals assistant general manager Ryan Eakin said Udea is an important addition for the Royals.

"Having such a great group of Canadian starters and position players, it allows us to stack our bullpen with imports that can help shorten games for us. We believe Udea will do that for us, while giving us a different look than everyone else in our bullpen with how deceptive he is.