Eight of the nine IBL teams made roster moves on the final day before the transaction deadline, while the Barrie Baycats weren't as active as some teams, some pieces were added that could help the team towards an IBL pennant and championship repeat.
Overall the team signed three players and released one. Two of the three signings have already played for the Baycats this year, while the other is looking for a change of scenery to spark some individual success.
In the first move of the day, right-handed pitcher Chris Torres was released. It was a move general manager Josh Matlow had been leaning toward since just his second appearance of the season. In a corresponding move, Ramón Henriquez was re-signed after continuing to stay with the team while he wasn't rostered.
Later on, Barrie signed Justin Groves, who was released by the Hamilton Cardinals hours before. The team also officially signed right-handed pitcher Jason Roach from the 22U affiliate team.
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RELEASED
CHRIS TORRES
| YEAR | TEAM | GP/GS | IP | W | L | SV | K/BB | H | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |  | 3/1 | 4.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5/11 | 2 | 16.61 | 3.69 |
The converted middle infielder struggled in his first action in organized baseball since 2021. While he brought the velocity, his command lacked.
In his last outing July 22, he got the start in Guelph as a chance to prove himself worthy of sticking with the team through deadline day. However, he and the entire team floundered in a 14-1 loss.
He couldn't record an out in the fourth inning and left the game having allowed six earned runs on four hits and six walks. His fate was seemingly sealed in Matlow's mind after that outing.
He was active for each of the next three games, but wasn't used before his eventual release.
SIGNED
RAMÓN HENRIQUEZ
| YEAR | TEAM | GP/GS | IP | W | L | SV | K/BB | H | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |  | 4/2 | 6.2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9/10 | 4 | 8.10 | 2.10 |
| 2025 | | 7/0 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14/11 | 6 | 6.75 | 1.41 |
| CAREER | 2 TEAMS | 11/2 | 18.2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 23/21 | 10 | 7.23 | 1.42 |
| Season | Team | GP | R | H | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
Henriquez was initially released to make an import slot available for Torres when he was signed, but will now replace his fellow countryman.
His last two outings before his release were arguably his best, combining for five shutout innings in relief with eight strikeouts and no walks.
While he wasn't rostered, Matlow kept him with the team with the idea that if Torres didn't pan out, Henriquez could jump right back in.
JUSTIN GROVES
| Season | Team | GP | R | H | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 0 | .077 | .200 | .077 | .277 |
Groves wasn't getting a lot of playing time in Hamilton, despite making the drive from his hometown of Peterborough. Nor was he going to be used much down the stretch.
He comes to Barrie without a hit in his last eight at bats while striking out six times in that span.
In his final season at Humber in 2024, he earned OCAA Player of the Year honours after posting a .472 batting average with one home run and 23 RBI in 18 games.
He can play outfield, infield, and catcher, which could be very valuable in the playoffs should he be able to qualify.
JASON ROACH
| YEAR | TEAM | GP/GS | IP | W | L | SV | K/BB | H | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | | 1/0 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3/0 | 1 | 0.00 | 1.00 |
Roach was injured, which prompted Matlow to take him off the team's 12-man IBL call-up list.
However, he's healthy now and could be available for the playoffs if he can fill enough innings and appearances to qualify. The Evansville-commit deferred his freshman year to 2027.
His only appearance in the IBL was June 1 in Kitchener, where he threw a shutout frame. With the Baycats' affiliate team this season, he's allowed five earned runs in six innings while striking out 12.
UP NEXT
The Barrie Baycats (21-12) are on the road to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (14-19) Wednesday.
Henriquez, Groves, and Roach will all be active for the game. Matlow says Roach is expected to throw one-to-two innings in relief.
