2026 SIGNING TRACKER: All-Star MVP C Yunior Ibarra

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers are proud to announce the signing of veteran catcher and fan favourite Yunior Ibarra.

Ibarra is heading into his fourth season as a Panther after having a career year in 2025.

He posted a career high .313 batting average, 46 hits and 30 RBI. He also hit three home runs.

He was also named the MVP of the 2025 All-Star Showdown in Hamilton, and earned a Rawlings Gold Glove award after posting a .989 fielding percentage and 29 fielding assists.

"We are happy to announce Yunior will be returning for his fourth season with us," said general manager Shanif Hirani.

"He provides us with elite defence behind the plate, and his bat has continued to improve every season. His work ethic and leadership are exactly what we look for in a player."

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YUNIOR IBARRA

• Bats/Pitches: R/R
• Hometown: Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
• Birthdate: April 13, 1995
• Pronunciation: Yoo-n-yur Eye-BAR-uh