Barrie Signs 2021 IBL Rookie of the Year Hayden Jaco

BARRIE - He won the rookie of the year in 2021, and now he's looking to continue that success in 2023. Hayden Jaco will join the Barrie Baycats for the upcoming 2023 season after signing with the club in mid-November.

Jaco, 25, who was the primary catcher for the Majors in the first of their back-to-back championship seasons, hit .374 across 33 games in the regular season and postseason, with five home runs and 23 runs batted in. He also walked 14 times and hit two triples.

"He's a hugely talented player at the plate at a crucial position," said Baycats TV analyst Patrick Melbourne. "He showed what he can do with pitching staffs in 2021, and he's got good speed behind the plate, which is rare to find in a catcher."

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography)