Baycats Re-Sign Right-Handed Pitcher Juan Benítez for 2026

The Barrie Baycats have announced the return of right-handed pitcher Juan Benítez, a veteran arm who has been a key part of Barrie’s rotation since joining the club in 2021.

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Benítez joined the Baycats in 2021 following an extensive professional career across multiple leagues and countries. The 6-foot-6 right-hander originally signed with the Washington Nationals organization in 2012, pitching in the Dominican Summer League, before moving to Japan in 2013 to compete with the Hiroshima Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball, where he spent three seasons.

Benítez returned to North America in 2017 after signing with the Miami Marlins organization and earning an invitation to major league spring training. In 2018, he pitched for the Québec Capitales of the Can-Am League — now members of the Frontier League — while also competing in the Mexican Winter Pacific League with Cañeros de Los Mochis. That season, he made eight appearances and seven starts for Québec, posting a 4.91 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP.

Since arriving in Barrie, Benítez has been a steady and reliable presence in the Baycats’ rotation for the past five seasons. His standout year came in 2024, when he was a key member of the league’s top rotation, finishing the regular season with a 7-1 record and a 2.95 ERA across nine starts.

Benítez elevated his performance even further in the postseason, going 3-0 with a 1.63 ERA in three playoff appearances as Barrie completed a perfect 10-0 postseason run to capture the IBL championship — the first of his career.

Now residing in Orillia, Ontario, Benítez returns to the Baycats bringing experience, consistency, and championship pedigree back to Barrie’s pitching staff.

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

The Baycats are also doing Boxing Day sales on both season tickets ($20 off) and flex packs ($10 off) AND hoodies at shop.barriebaycats.com. Save 25% off all hoodies. The hoodie sale ENDS TONIGHT (Friday, December 26th) at 11:59 p.m. while the ticket sale runs until Monday.