Baycats Re-Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Braedan Pakkala for 2026

Barrie, ON — The Barrie Baycats have announced the return of left-handed pitcher Braedan Pakkala for the 2026 Canadian Baseball League season.

Pakkala, a native of Sudbury, Ontario, is currently in his final season at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, competing at the NAIA level. Over his collegiate career, he has appeared in 62 games on the mound, recording 105 strikeouts.

He joined the Baycats during the 2024 season, appearing in 12 games in his first year with the club. Pakkala took a step forward in 2025, turning in his best season in Barrie. Across 14 regular-season appearances, he posted a 3.57 earned run average while averaging approximately one strikeout per inning pitched. He also contributed during the postseason, throwing two scoreless innings in the 2025 playoffs before returning to school.

In addition to his time with the senior club, Pakkala also suited up for the Baycats’ 22U program in 2025. He made three appearances at that level, logging 15.2 innings and striking out 15 batters.

Pakkala will return to the Baycats following his collegiate career at the end of the college season and will enter his first season of professional baseball in 2026.

The Baycats open up their 2026 Canadian Baseball League campaign on May 14th at 7:38 pm at Athletic Kulture Stadium against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Get your tickets here