The Kansas City T-Bones have signed some new names and signed some existing players to new contracts for the 2016 season.
According to a news release, four players who signed earlier this month include infielder Brandon Tierney, former Park University outfielder Christian Torres, former Olathe Northwest pitcher Ryan Taylor, and pitcher Wes Torrez, who’s the son of long-time major-league pitcher Mike Torrez.
Two pitchers who were signed again earlier this week include Jared Messer and Josh Tols, according to a news release.
Messer, a three-year T-Bones veteran, was 3-0 with one save and a 3.26 ERA in 35 appearanaces in 2015.
Tols, from Adelaide, South Australia, was 2-0 with a 4.55 ERA in 2015 with the T-Bones. He attended Rockhurst University, where he had eight complete games and two shutouts in 2014.
Also, the T-Bones’ 2015 Pitcher of the Year, Aaron Baker, has been signed to a contract for 2016, according to a news release.
“Bake was one of the most reliable relievers in the league last summer, and we think he can only get better,” said T-Bones manager John Massarelli, in a news release. “We’re planning to use him in the closer’s role in 2016.”
Another December signing included outfielder Robby Kuzdale and infielder Sergio Leon, a news release stated.
“Kooz has become one of the best defensive center fielders in the league,” Massarelli said. “Offensively, he’s versatile enough that he can lead off or give us power in the middle of the lineup.”
“Leon is an exciting young player who made some outstanding defensive plays for us last season,” Massarelli said. “I look forward to seeing him continue to improve.”
The T-Bones also have signed two veteran players for next season, Jake Blackwood of Kansas City, Mo., and Nate Tenbrink of Olathe, Kan., according to a news release.
For 2016, the T-Bones stadium, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, will have extended backstop netting, according to an earlier announcement. The netting is intended to increase safety for fans, officials said.
The T-Bones’ home opener will be May 19 against Texas.