RHP Aiden Taggart, FA, Signed by Toronto Blue Jays — $155,000
Hometown: Grimsby, Ont.
Born: Grimsby, Ont.
Height/Weight: 6’ 4” 210 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R-R.
Team: FieldHouse Pirates.
Coach: Jordan Stamp.
Committed: Utah.
Previous Teams: Junior National Team/Ontario Youth Team.
Previous Coaches: Greg Hamilton, Chris Begg, Chris Reitsma, Jimmy Richardson, John Mariotti, Travis Kayler, David Quattrociocchi.
Signings scouts: Patrick Griffin (Oakville, Ont.) and Matt O’Brien.
Good genes: “My Mom, Lesley, and Dad, Matt, did not play sports. My Uncle Craig played hockey at Fleming College.”
The most influential people in my baseball life: “Probably my parents and my grandparents, Steve and Karen. They were all big Blue Jays fans, so I grew up with my family watching baseball all the time.”
The most influential person in my baseball career, besides my family: “Probably John Mariotti, my pitching coach with Fieldhouse. He helped me develop my velocity and other things, but he also taught me how to be confident with my stuff and get hitters out.”
Best day on the ball field: “With Ontario Youth Team in 2023 in Regina. Our team made a big comeback in the final (after falling behind 5-0) and I got the save (an 11-8 win over BC). The dog pile and celebration with my teammates was my favourite moment of my baseball career.”
Honours: 2025 season _ Preseason Rawlings/Perfect Game All American All Region First Team Canada/Puerto Rico ... 2024 season _ Preseason Rawlings/Perfect Game All American All Region First Team Canada/Puerto Rico
2024 season: At the Canadian Futures Showcase _ Pitched three scoreless with five strikeouts … Dominican Pro Tour, Junior National Team ... Worked seven innings in two games, giving up five runs (6.43) on seven hits and three walks, while striking out 11 … Extended Spring Training Camp, Junior National Team ... Pitched in five innings over two games allowing two runs (3.60) on three hits, while striking out five.
2023 season, Dominican Instructional League, Junior National Team ... Pitched 5 2/3 inning in two games allowing four runs (6.35 ERA) on five hits and four walks, while striking out seven. at World Junior qualifier _ Canada was losing 9-7 at the with three innings left to play. He took over allowing one run on four hits and two walks going the win as Canada rallied with one run in the fifth, six in the sixth and three in the seventh for a 17-10 victory. Ryan Stalony doubled twice, while Leo Cote added one. ... Picked up the save as Ontario beat BC by striking out the side to win gold in Regina.
2022 season _ Pitched gold medal game as Team Ontario beat Alberta 11-1 of the Canada Summer at Welland Stadium.