How Sam Katz Bought Three Teams to Find "The One"
Paul Duque • October 13, 2023
To commemorate our 30th anniversary season, Ron Arnst spoke with several key figures from our past and created multimedia articles which first appeared in the Goldeyes Digital Magazine throughout the 2023 season. For those who may have missed those articles, we will be reposting them here on Goldeyes.com. Enjoy!
By Ron Arnst
Sam Katz had to buy three baseball teams before they would let him field one.
The successful entertainment industry entrepreneur had a business relationship and personal friendship with Pat Gillick, then General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, and it was Gillick who prompted Katz to investigate bringing professional baseball to Winnipeg.
Sam initially set his sites on Triple A baseball, the highest minor league – one step below the majors. He purchased the Edmonton Trappers of the Pacific Coast League only to have the league owners deny the deal which was dependent on moving the team to Winnipeg.
Undeterred, he turned to the Denver Zephyrs of the Triple A American Association only have his purchase similarly turned away.
But Katz remained motivated to bring affordable, family-friendly baseball entertainment to Winnipeg.
When he learned a fledgling independent league was looking to replace a franchise in their 6-team organization, he told Northern League Commissioner Miles Wolff he was interested.
The purchase and relocation of the former Rochester Aces to Winnipeg was quickly done.
Doug Simunic, the manager of the Rochester team the year before, was brought on as the Goldeyes’ first manager.
Winnipeg sporting equipment retailer John Hindle was hired as the team’s first General Manager. Hindle recalls that he initially contacted Katz because he saw the new team in town as a great business opportunity. And when the two first met, Katz began to interview what he thought was a potential management candidate but Hindle was still trying to make a deal to provide the new team with their equipment needs.
The initial misunderstanding was quickly resolved and Hindle came on board.
That first season also had the hiring of another critical piece of the Goldeyes’ history – Andrew Collier. Then 24, Collier was working at IBM when he joined Katz in a golf game. On the 14th hole, Andrew asked Sam for a job.
Collier quickly rose from box office employee to management and ultimately General Manager. On and off the field, the Goldeyes have consistently proven the value and wisdom of acquiring good people, putting them in the right place, and letting them succeed.
If baseball was church, Opening Day would be the highest of high holidays. Coinciding with spring and the freshening of a new year, Opening Day brings its own freshening - a new season full of promise and possibility.
June 7th, 1994 marked an Opening Day like no other. It confirmed the re-birth of the historic Winnipeg Goldeyes franchise - in a different league, in a different ballpark but the Winnipeg Goldeyes nonetheless.
And Winnipeg was more than ready for the return of professional baseball.
Without professional baseball for more than two decades - the Triple A Whips were a distant memory - Winnipeg was a much-desired location in the eyes of the fledgling independent league. Northern League Commissioner Miles Wolff told Scott Taylor of the Winnipeg Free Press that the Winnipeg was a coveted site for a franchise.
“When the old Northern League was establishing itself… as one of the best minor-league operations in baseball, Winnipeg was one of the flagship franchises. That’s why we still want Winnipeg in the league. For a year and a half, I’ve made it clear that Winnipeg is a desired city.”
General Manager Hindle recalled the mammoth task for preparing the newly-minted Goldeyes organization for its first season was “different, exciting, crazy, wild” extremely fast-paced and overwhelming, with too many things to do and not enough people to do them. Hindle says he found the only way they could make progress was by communicating well and focusing on what needed done right now.
He says it all paid off on Opening Day on June 7th when 14,764 Winnipeg fans showed up to watch their new team in action.
They would not be disappointed.
Tim Cain, an All-Star with Rochester the year before, threw the first pitch in the new Goldeyes’ history. His battery-mate, former big league catcher Dann Bilardello, contributed a single and a double in a 9-1 win over the Duluth-Superior Dukes. The Goldeyes struck for 7 runs in the 5th inning, effectively putting the game out of reach. Second baseman Dave Lowery hit a 2-run triple in the big inning.
With a wildly successful first game behind them, things looked pretty rosy for the team.
But baseball has a way of bringing you back to earth and the Goldeyes landed with a resounding thump.
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Photo Credit: Associated Press WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Thursday of outfielder Jacob Robson . A native of London, Ontario, Robson appeared in four games for the Detroit Tigers in August, 2021. Robson was a member of the Canadian National Team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and the 2019 Pan American Games Qualifier. A left-handed bat, Robson returns to the American Association after spending the 2024 campaign with Gastonia of the Atlantic League, where he hit .277, with eight home runs, and 27 runs batted in over 42 contests. The 30-year-old was a member of the Kansas City Monarchs in 2022 and 2023, combining for a .262 batting average, 19 long balls, 65 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Robson was first selected by the San Diego Padres in the 30th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball June Draft out of Vincent Massey Secondary School (Windsor, Ontario). He chose to attend college and was subsequently chosen by the Tigers in the 8th round in 2016 out of Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, Mississippi). In 552 games in the affiliated minor leagues – including 300 at the Class-AAA level – Robson compiled a .283 average, with 34 home runs, 210 RBIs, and 111 steals. He has also played several seasons in the Australian Baseball League. “We’re very excited to acquire Jacob. He will be a huge addition to our lineup and has a ton of affiliated experience including a stint in the big leagues,” said manager Logan Watkins . “I think he will bring a lot to the table and our fans will love to see another Canadian join the roster.” Robson becomes the seventh Canadian on the Goldeyes’ roster, joining right-handed pitchers Landen Bourassa (Lethbridge, Alberta), Trevor Brigden (North York, Ontario), Tylor Jans (St. Albert, Alberta), Landon Leach (Toronto, Ontario), Will Sierra (Montréal, Québec), and infielder Matthew Warkentin (Windsor, Ontario). Winnipeg now has 27 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes IF Ray-Patrick Didder RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans LHP Mitchell Lambson RHP Landon Leach IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería OF Jacob Robson LHP Brady Rose RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner IF Matthew Warkentin RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will begin the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced acquisition and signing Thursday of Canadian first baseman Matthew Warkentin . Warkentin (pronounced WAR-ken-tinn) was obtained from the Frontier League’s Ottawa Titans in exchange for a player to be named later. The 28-year-old is a native of Windsor, Ontario and becomes the becomes the sixth Canadian on the Goldeyes’ roster, joining right-handed pitchers Landen Bourassa (Lethbridge, Alberta), Trevor Brigden (North York, Ontario), Tylor Jans (St. Albert, Alberta), Landon Leach (Toronto, Ontario) and Will Sierra (Montréal, Québec). Warkentin spent the last two campaigns with the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League, where he belted a combined 51 home runs and led the circuit with 83 runs batted in in 2024 en route to being named the league’s All-Star first baseman. The right-handed batter also posted a .299 batting average last season. Signed as a free agent by the Chicago Cubs out of Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio), Warkentin spent two seasons in their system, reaching the Class-A Advanced level in 2021 with the South Bend Cubs of what was then known as the High-A Central league. “The is a huge late pickup for us and was one of those situations where things sort of fell into place by the luck of the draw,” said manager Logan Watkins . “Also, this is another reason why the reputation of the Goldeyes organization is crucial to acquiring good players. Matthew was persistent about wanting to play for us after he was released from his team in Mexico this spring. It made my job a lot easier when there wasn't much need to pursue and sell this opportunity but instead had a player who was excited to come here and be a part of it. He will bring a ton of power to the lineup and really strengthen what is already a strong group of position players.” Winnipeg now has 26 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes IF Ray-Patrick Didder RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans LHP Mitchell Lambson RHP Landon Leach IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería LHP Brady Rose RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner IF Matthew Warkentin RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will begin the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Monday of multi-talented position player Ray-Patrick Didder , whose primary position is shortstop. A native of Oranjestad, Aruba, Didder has twice been a recent teammate of Goldeyes All-Star Dayson Croes when the pair represented the Netherlands at the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 tournament last November, and the Japan Series earlier this month. Didder was signed as an international free agent by the Atlanta Braves at the age of 18 and made his professional debut with their Dominican Summer League entry in 2013. He played seven seasons in Atlanta’s system, reaching the Class-AA level on two occasions with the Southern League’s Mississippi Braves. After one year in the Los Angeles Angels’ organization, Didder was signed by the Miami Marlins prior to the 2022 season, and spent part of the year with the Class-AAA Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League. The 30-year-old spent the last two campaigns in the San Diego Padres’ chain, splitting his time between the Class-AAA Pacific Coast League’s El Paso Chihuahuas and the Class-AA Texas League’s San Antonio Missions. Although Didder only appeared at shortstop, second base, and third base in 2024, he has also played all three outfield positions over the course of his career. In 11 seasons in the minor leagues, Didder has compiled a .235 batting average, with 133 doubles, 42 triples, 58 home runs, and 351 runs batted in. He has also swiped 241 bases. Didder has also played professionally in Puerto Rico, Italy, and Mexico. “Ray-Patrick is a big pick up for us,” said Goldeyes manager Logan Watkins . “On top of having a very long impressive resumé, he is still playing at a high level this late in his career. He can play all over the field, hit for power, and steal bases. Also, being from Aruba and being friends with Dayson, I know he’s excited to get to Winnipeg and have a great season.” Winnipeg now has 26 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes IF Ray-Patrick Didder RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson RHP Landon Leach IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería LHP Brady Rose RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will begin the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
Second Annual Event Features Throwback Artists, Busta Rhymes, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Xzibit, Trick Daddy, Baby Bash, Yung Joc, Bubba Sparxxx, Max Winds and more!
Photo Credit: Mills Fitzner/Rome Emperors WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Thursday of right-handed pitcher and former Baseball Canada Junior National Team member Landon Leach . A Toronto native, Leach becomes the fifth Canadian on the Goldeyes roster, joining fellow right-handed pitchers Landen Bourassa (Lethbridge, Alberta), Trevor Brigden (North York, Ontario), Tylor Jans (St. Albert, Alberta), and Will Sierra (Montréal, Québec). Leach was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 2017 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Pickering High School (Ajax, Ontario). He was the first Canadian taken in that year’s draft at 37th overall – 23 picks before the Baltimore Orioles chose former Goldeyes infielder Adam Hall . The 25-year-old made his professional debut with the Twins’ entry in the Rookie-Class Gulf Coast League in 2017 and advanced as far as the Class-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels of what was then known as the Low-A Southeast league in 2021. Leach signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2022, pitching at three levels in their system, including Class-A Advanced with the South Atlantic League’s Rome Braves. In four minor league seasons, Leach compiled a 5-8 record with a 4.46 earned run average in 41 appearances – 30 of which were starts. After signing with the Frontier League’s Québec Capitales in 2023, Leach was injured during training camp and missed the entire season. He pitched last year for the Intercounty Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs. Leach represented Canada at the 2017 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he was a teammate of Sierra’s. “Landon is someone who appeared on our radar very recently,” said skipper Logan Watkins . “He’s dealt with injury the last few seasons so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. If he can get to where he was before his injury, he could be a huge late addition for us.” In another move, right-handed pitcher Aaron Shortridge , signed by the Goldeyes in January, has instead joined the Mexican Baseball League’s Leones de Yucatán. Winnipeg now has 25 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson RHP Landon Leach IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería LHP Brady Rose RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will begin the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced their 2025 promotional schedule Tuesday. "We’re thrilled to unveil an exciting lineup of promotions for the upcoming season, packed with fan-favourite theme nights, special giveaways, and unforgettable experiences at the ballpark," said Goldeyes Director of Sales & Marketing Dan Chase . "From fireworks shows to cultural nights and family-friendly entertainment, we can’t wait to welcome our fans to Blue Cross Park and create lasting memories all season long." The Home Opener is Tuesday, May 20, and the first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive an exclusive Goldeyes jersey that will only be available to those attending this game. The evening will conclude with the first of seven spectacular post-game fireworks shows by award-winning Archangel Fireworks.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Friday of left-handed relief pitcher Brady Rose . Rose was selected by the New York Yankees in the 12th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Dallas Baptist University (Dallas, Texas). The 24-year-old made his professional debut in April 2024 with the Class-A Florida State League’s Tampa Tarpons, with whom he appeared in four contests and posted a 1-1 record with a 9.26 earned-run-average in 11.2 innings. Rose pitched in two additional games with the Yankees’ Florida Complex League entry. A native of Westminster, Colorado, Rose went 8-4 with a 3.42 ERA over two NCAA seasons, averaging 13.6 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.61 strikeouts per walk. “Brady is a really good young power lefty we will use frequently out of the bullpen,” said manager Logan Watkins . “He was released by the Yankees but as I dug a little further, they had great things to say about him. He also went to Dallas Baptist University which is known to develop some very good pitchers. I’m excited to see what he can do for us this season.” Winnipeg now has 25 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería LHP Brady Rose RHP Aaron Shortridge RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The team also announced that the following players from their 2024 roster have signed with clubs in the Mexican Baseball League: C Rob Emery (Tigres de Quintana Roo) LHP Ben Onyshko (Rieleros de Aguascalientes) RHP Thomas Ponticelli (Tigres de Quintana Roo) OF Miles Simington (Leones de Yucatán) RHP Joey Steele (Piratas de Campeche) RHP Nick Trogrlic-Iverson (Rieleros de Aguascalientes) The Goldeyes will begin the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
Photo Credit: Kelly Teseny/Durham Bulls WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Wednesday of North York, Ontario native and former National Team member Trevor Brigden . Brigden (pronounced BRIG-den) is a right-handed relief pitcher who has spent much of the past four seasons at the Class-AAA level with the International League’s Durham Bulls. The 29-year-old was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 17th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Okanagan College (Kelowna, British Columbia). Bridgen made his professional debut later that year and pitched five seasons in the Rays’ system. Brigden posted a 3-1 record with Durham in 2024, along with a 7.64 earned run average and one save. He appeared in 85 games for the Bulls from 2021-2024, going 8-6 with a 5.09 ERA and three saves. Representing Canada at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Brigden saw action in two contests, pitching an inning and one third of hitless relief while recording three strikeouts. “Trevor will be one of our most experienced guys on the entire roster”, said skipper Logan Watkins . “He has a lot of Triple-A affiliated experience along with playing for the Canadian National Team so he will almost certainly be a huge part of our bullpen this season. Guys of his calibre are not easy to acquire so this is definitely one of the signings I hope the organization and fans are most excited about.” Winnipeg now has 24 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Trevor Brigden RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería RHP Aaron Shortridge RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will open the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
Photo Credit: Kayleigh Wieska/Milwaukee Milkmen WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Monday of right-handed relief pitcher Juan Echevarría . Echevarría (pronounced etch-eh-va-REE-yuh) spent the last three seasons with the Milwaukee Milkmen. In 2024 he appeared in 10 games – including three starts – and posted a 1-0 record with a 13.70 earned run average. The 27-year-old made his American Association debut in 2021 with the Chicago Dogs and his combined record in the league stands at 8-6 with a 5.80 ERA and five saves. Echevarría was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles in the 21st round of the 2015 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Osceola High School (Kissimmee, Florida). He spent four seasons in their system, compiling an 11-5 record with a 4.40 ERA. The native of Santurce, Puerto Rico reached the Class-A Advanced level with the Carolina League’s Frederick Keys in 2019. “Juan is going to be exciting to watch this year,” said manager Logan Watkins . “He has spent time in affiliated ball and had some great years for Milwaukee in the American Association. Last season was a down year for him due to fatigue from all the innings he pitched in 2023. Once he had time to recover, he performed very well in winter ball. There's no substitute for experience and I think he will be a big addition to our pitching staff this season.” Winnipeg now has 23 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes RHP Juan Echevarría OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería RHP Aaron Shortridge RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will open the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
Photo Credit: Bronson Harris/Binghamton Rumble Ponies WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced Friday the signing of right-handed relief pitcher Marcel Rentería . Rentería was selected by the New York Mets in the sixth round of the 2017 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, New Mexico) and played six seasons in their system. The 30-year-old reached the Class-AAA level in 2021 with the Triple-A East League’s (now International League) Syracuse Mets. Rentería went 4-0 that season with a 9.00 earned run average in 14 appearances, all out of the bullpen. Rentería last pitched in 2023 with the Class-AA Eastern League’s Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he posted a 1-1 record with one save and a 3.54 ERA in 19 games. The native of Nogales, Arizona has gone 12-12 with a 5.22 ERA in 101 professional appearances. He has averaged 1.07 strikeouts per inning pitched and a strikeout to walk ratio of 2.40. Rentería was a starter in college, where he went 12-7 with a 4.82 ERA in 32 games over two seasons. “Marcel is a big signing for us. He is an experienced arm who climbed up high in affiliated ball,” said Goldeyes field boss Logan Watkins . “Unfortunately for him – but fortunately for us – he is coming back from injury which made it possible for us to sign him. I know he's excited to prove that he's healthy and he's as motivated as ever. He is a guy who can start or relieve and someone we will lean on in 2025.” Winnipeg now has 22 players under contract for the 2025 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins April 26. 2025 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings OF Evan Alexander IF Andy Armstrong IF Edwin Arroyo RHP Landen Bourassa IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry IF Dayson Croes OF Roby Enríquez C Kevin García IF Jake Guenther RHP Tylor Jans RHP Marshall Kasowski LHP Mitchell Lambson IF Keshawn Lynch OF Max Murphy OF Tanner O’Tremba RHP Marcel Rentería RHP Aaron Shortridge RHP Will Sierra LHP Tasker Strobel OF Braxton Turner RHP Ryder Yakel The Goldeyes will open the 2025 campaign Thursday, May 8 against the Railroaders in Cleburne, Texas. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Milwaukee Milkmen is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2025 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets or complete and submit the form below.
