Baycats Sign Catcher Carson Barker for 2026

Barrie, ON – The Barrie Baycats are pleased to announce the signing of Alliston, Ontario native Carson Barker to the club’s roster for the 2026 Canadian Baseball League season.

The 24-year-old catcher re-enters professional baseball after a 2024 stint in the California Winter League, the official winter league of the Frontier League. Barker played with the Alberta Grizzly before being acquired by the Oregon Lumberjacks. It was in Oregon where he made a connection with Ottawa Titans manager Bobby Brown, who would sign Barker that same year. Through his time in the league, he recorded three doubles and 11 RBI while continuing to develop behind the plate.

The 5-foot-11 backstop brings a strong collegiate resume. Barker spent time at Genesee Community College (Batavia, New York), where he batted .326 with six home runs and 23 RBI in just 27 games. He later continued his career at Lourdes University (Sylvania, Ohio) and wrapped his collegiate career in the nation's capital with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he produced 11 extra-base hits in 20 games while also seeing time at third base.

A product of Alliston, Barker adds another local presence to the Baycats roster and strengthens the club’s depth at the catcher position heading into the 2026 season. Originally signed in Ottawa in 2024, he now returns to professional baseball close to home in Simcoe County.

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