February 7, 2025

Official Hamilton Cardinals News Release

The Hamilton Cardinals have acquired designated hitter and first baseman Josh Williams, along with cash considerations, from the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers in exchange for starting pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka.

Williams, a 6-foot-5 Toronto native, returns to the Hamilton Cardinals after beginning the 2024 season with the team before finishing it with Chatham. Williams has appeared in 47 games across his IBL career, recording 35 hits, six doubles, three home runs, and 23 RBIs, with a career batting average of .250.

Before his IBL career, Williams played for the White Sands Pupfish in the Pecos League in 2018, where he posted a .333 average, hitting six home runs while driving in 30 runs. He also had a strong college career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he batted .292 over 53 games, with 34 hits, six home runs, and 27 RBIs.

In exchange, the Cardinals are sending switch-pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka to the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. During the regular season and playoffs, Mizuki posted a 4-4 record with a 3.13 ERA over 16 appearances. He started nine games, pitching 72 innings with 72 strikeouts, while allowing just 11 walks and 66 hits. In his debut IBL season, he earned a spot on the 2024 All-Star team.