The Winnipeg Goldeyes have signed right-handed relief pitcher Arij Fransen for the 2026 season.
Fransen spent last season with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Class-AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. In 30 appearances, he posted a 4-4 record with a 6.34 earned run average in 55.1 innings.
A native of Deventer, Netherlands, Fransen spent three seasons (2019-21) with Honkbalclub Allen Weerbaar in the Dutch Major League and made his North American professional debut in 2021 with the ACL Reds, the Rookie affiliate of the Reds. He reached as high as Class-AAA, appearing for the Louisville Bats in 2024.
“I’m really excited we have the opportunity to have Arij pitch for us this season,” said Goldeyes skipper Logan Watkins. “He will be throwing for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic in a few weeks, and it will be fun to get a chance to see him throw on a big stage. That alone tells us the calibre of pitcher we are getting. I think he will be a big factor for us this season and a great addition to our already strong pitching staff.”
Winnipeg now has 20 players under contract for the 2026 season.
Righty Fransen Joins Goldeyes for 2026
?: Maddie LoRae/@ChattLookouts #LetsGoGoldeyes pic.twitter.com/p5Ny5e0acb
— Winnipeg Goldeyes (@Wpg_Goldeyes) February 12, 2026
