Betts: BMOC - Ricketts uses redshirt season to fuel Year 2 success

Ontario Blue Jays alum Brayden Ricketts (Brampton, Ont.) is off to a great start in his redshirt freshman season with the Indiana Hoosiers. He is hitting .381 with two home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.085 OPS. Photo: Indiana Athletics/Instagram

March 5, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

Every college freshman arrives on campus seeking the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

But that’s not always the best development path.

Indiana University catcher Brayden Ricketts (Brampton, Ont.) understands that well.

Hoosiers head coach Jeff Mercer made the decision to redshirt his Canadian backstop in 2025, opting to bank on the player’s ability to use the time to further develop.

And it’s worked out so far.

Ricketts is off to a flying start in his redshirt freshman season, hitting .381 with two home runs, nine RBIs and 1.085 OPS. Those two home runs came this past Sunday in a 7-3 win over Western Kentucky to close out a 10-hit week. His play earned him Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week.

“Honestly it was a great experience,” Ricketts said of redshirting.

“I travelled every weekend, so I kind of got to experience everything from the sideline before actually being in the game. I tried to learn as much as I could from the older guys and watching the game and just tried to continue to get better going into the summer.”

As he watched from his front row seat, he knew he had to put an emphasis on making better swing decisions and creating quality contact if he wanted to have success in the college game.

He wouldn’t have to wait until the current season to put his work to the test, however, as he spent the summer playing for the Pulaski River Turtles of the Appalachian League. In 38 games, he hit .333 with a .977 OPS.

Still early in his college career, Ricketts believes staying true to himself and understanding his role on the roster are keys to his success.

His strong play shouldn’t come as a surprise, given he was a highly touted high schooler during his days with the Ontario Blue Jays. He credits his time with the program for helping prepare him for the next step in his career.

“The Ontario Blue Jays were a huge part in my development,” Ricketts said.

“Being able to experience the travel in the summer, the fall collegiate trip and just being around high level players and coaches everyday really made me a better person and player.”

As he went through the recruiting process, it was the Indiana coaching staff that stood out.

Now, he’s trying to capitalize on every opportunity presented to him.

“Just take it day-by-day and (keep) enjoying everyday I get to play the game with my teammates,” he said.