Posts in Canadians in the Minors
Jordan Woods makes the long, long trek to mound in KC Royals' system

“With a commitment to East Tennessee State on the table, Jordan Woods seemed destined to head south in the fall of 2022.

A product of the Terriers and the Junior National Team, Woods (Oakville, Ont.) saw things take a turn.

Before the 2022 draft, Woods underwent Tommy John surgery and switched his sights from college to pro ball in the blink of an eye.

After the July draft, he signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals, had elbow surgery and then rehabbed. And rehabbed. And rehabbed. He did not pitch in 2022 and did not pitch during 2023. Woods made his return to live action with his first in-game pitches Thursday night in Surprise, Ariz.”

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Wilson: Albers’ baseball career comes full circle back to Saskatchewan

“He put the “battle” in North Battleford.

Following a playing career full of twists and turns that showed off his resilience, Andrew Albers has returned to his home province of Saskatchewan and he’s ready for the next chapter of his baseball life.

It’s been a full-circle time for Albers, who grew up watching Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts on television and tagging along at his father’s senior men’s baseball games.”

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Glew: California Winter League stint helps Barker land with Titans

“If you’re a Canadian baseball prospect in search of your first professional contract, there are far worse ways to spend a month of the winter than showcasing your skills in Palm Springs, Calif.

Carson Barker (Alliston, Ont.) can attest to this.

From mid-January to mid-February, the 22-year-old catcher competed in the California Winter League, an eight-team circuit that recently concluded its 15th season.

“Palm Springs was absolutely gorgeous,” said Barker. “I loved Palm Springs. It was a really, really great experience.”

On top of the beautiful weather, Barker’s tenure in the California Winter League helped him land a contract with the independent Frontier League’s Ottawa Titans in early February.”

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