September 19, 2024

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

From the batter’s box this week, Christian Iriotakis (Toronto, Ont.) has paused to take in the view from home plate.

The Rogers Centre is quieter than normal compared to a Blue Jays game but the pressure is still enormous given the scouts and coaches in attendance, all assembled behind home plate to see the best players from coast to coast suit up in the 10th annual Canadian Futures Showcase.

“This is my first time here (at the showcase) and I can say that it has been a great experience so far,” said Iriotakis, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “We have gotten the best treatment right from the get-go, almost like we are big leaguers.”

As the Toronto Mets product continues to work towards increasing his draft stock for the future, Iriotakis is getting exposure with his travel program and by suiting up at the Canadian Futures Showcase.

“This tournament is so important to Canadian baseball players,” said Iriotakis. “This showcase can put a spotlight on some of the top players across the country in one space, competing against each other. Gives everyone a lot of exposure in front of a bunch of scouts, especially those who travelled from the United States with college programs, which benefits a lot of us at the end of the day in our baseball careers.”

Suiting up for Team Navy, Iriotakis worked as the DH in the club’s second game of the tournament. From the two-hole spot, the lefty-batter got to work early - drawing a four-pitch walk and making it to third base before the end of the inning.

In his second at-bat, Iriotakis drove a single through the right side to move a runner to second. It was a six-pitch at-bat with a full count and the Toronto Mets product drove a high ball that left the bat at 90.2 mph. He also added a run in the Team Navy win.

His third at-bat was another walk, working seven pitches to get on base.

“There were some pre-game jitters, I can’t lie,” laughed Iriotakis. “But once I stepped into the batter’s box, I felt just right at home. Felt amazing to play at the Rogers Centre where so many great players have stood before and then to have a solid day with the walks and the hit was just perfect.”

Iriotakis is one of nine Mets players to suit up at the Showcase this summer and has been putting the ball in play on the travel ball circuit, gaining the attention of those who follow Canadian baseball players. He uses his 6-foot-2 frame to drive the ball to all parts of the field and possesses plus power, hitting multiple home runs throughout the summer. When he is on the field, Iriotakis spends most of his time split between third base and in the outfield.

While he is currently uncommitted, the 16-year-old continues to gain traction and put forward a strong effort early in the tournament in front of the scouts in attendance. The mentality of what lies ahead intrigues Iriotakis, as he continues to forge his path towards next summer and the 2026 class.

“When I think about the future and college programs, I am looking for somewhere that will give me a path to play,” said Iriotakis. “I am looking for a program where the coaching staff emphasizes both sides of the game, both on and off the field, where I can learn multiple aspects of the game to keep getting better.”

His biggest inspiration on the ball diamond?

“My brother (Charlie) for sure,” said Iriotakis. “When I was little, I copied what he was doing and tried to play the game just like him. While we didn’t get a chance to share the diamond because of the age gap, he has made me a better player. Him and God, I always make sure to give time to God for everything he has done for me.”

While baseball dominates the Iriotakis household regularly, the Team Navy player also spends time hanging with family and friends and playing video games. Not surprisingly, one game sticks out for the Mets product.

“I am always playing The Show,” said Iriotakis. “It’s always baseball.”