The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the acquisition and signing Thursday of Canadian first baseman Matthew Warkentin.
Warkentin 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 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.
“This 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.