The Gary SouthShore RailCats continue to carve out their roster for the 2024 campaign. Jackson Valera returns for his second season in Gary, and Franklin Perez will make his debut with the ‘Cats this summer.
Valera is a 31-year-old corner infielder that was signed out by the New York Yankees out of his home country, Venezuela. He will be entering his 13th season of professional baseball and his second with the RailCats after producing consistently for the team last year. In 64 games Valera had a .293 batting average, drove in 45 RBIs, and had 11 doubles.
“Jackson returns providing veteran leadership to our Cats locker room, field of play and offense.” Gary Manager Lamarr Rogers said. “He was an all-around welcomed surprise when he joined our team mid-way through 2023 and I’ll be looking for him to continue with his positive production in 2024.”
Perez is a right-handed pitcher that also calls Venezuela home. He signed his first professional contract with the Houston Astros in 2014 and after a few seasons in their farm system was involved in a trade that sent Justin Verlander from the Tigers to the Astros. Going into 2018, MLB.com ranked Perez as the number one prospect in the Detroit organization. The 26-year-old has appeared in 79 games, 55 being starts, he has struck out 259 batters across 271 innings of work.
“Just a few seasons ago Franklin was one of the top prospects in all of Major League Baseball before injuries derailed him.” Rogers said. “I was fortunate to see his potential when we were together in the Astros organization before he was traded, he wants to prove he is worthy of returning to an MLB organization and I’m happy he will get a chance with the RailCats organization in 2024.”
The RailCats 2024 season begins at the Steel Yard on Friday, May 17 vs Lake Country. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2024 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing mailto:info@railcatsbaseball.com
