Molleken joins Saskatoon Berries as pitching consultant

Former Detroit Tigers right-hander Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) has joined the Western Canadian Baseball League’s Saskatoon Berries as a pitching consultant. Photo: John Raoux

March 20, 2026

Official Saskatoon Berries News Release

The Saskatoon Berries have named former major league pitcher Dustin Molleken as their pitching consultant for the upcoming 2026 WCBL season.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to join the Berries coaching staff. It’s a great organization, and I’m passionate about developing players and helping them grow while contributing to the team’s success this season. Let’s go!” said Molleken.

Originally from Regina, Sask., Molleken is officially turning purple. He brings 19 years of professional experience to the organization, including time in MLB, Japan’s NPB, and on the international stage with Canada.

Molleken’s extensive international resume is nothing short of outstanding. He made 11 appearances with Canada, contributing to bronze-medal finishes at the 2009 and 2011 Baseball World Cups. In 2011, he was also part of the historic team that took home gold at the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. One of his favourite memories was playing for Canada in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classics.

In 2012, Molleken signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball, where he shared a clubhouse with future global superstar Shohei Ohtani. That same year, Molleken made history for the Fighters, becoming the first Canadian to pitch in the Japan Series of the NPB.

After several seasons in the minor leagues, Molleken made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Detroit Tigers as a relief pitcher.

Since retiring from his professional playing career, Molleken has remained deeply involved in player development. He returned to his college town of Lethbridge to join the coaching staff at Prairie Baseball Academy. Molleken also spent time as a pitching coach for Team Canada’s Junior and Senior National Teams, Big League Experience and Baseball Sask at the Canada Cup. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024.

Molleken will join the Berries’ returning baseball operations staff lead by head coach Joe Carnahan, along with pitching coach Ryan Olchoway, and assistant coach Chance Wheatley.