International Talent to Headline Titans’ Spring Training Roster

By: Justin Ball

With Spring Training around the corner, Ottawa Titans fans can expect to see international talent take over the Nation’s Capital this season.

In addition to fresh faces and returning sluggers from the U.S. and Canada, the Titans' training camproster will feature players from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Finland.

According to manager Bobby Brown, developing a diverse international roster poses a unique set of challenges. 

“It’s all about chemistry,” Brown said. “Even though 15 guys are returning, each year is different, and they’ve got to find their own chemistry.”

Brown says it won’t be easy to bring together a group of players from around the world, but on-field success starts in the clubhouse. 

“We got a good core of players there that take [new players] around the city, and once they get up there, they really fall in love with Ottawa right away.”

That connection between player and city helps create an environment where athletes feel valued beyond their on-field performance. For General Manager Martin Boyce, bringing in international players with unique experiences is important to the culture of the organization. 

“The diversity in the roster is important because it builds life in the clubhouse,” Boyce said. “People come from different walks of life and bring different perspectives to the game. It’s a learning opportunity for everybody.”

According to Brown, one of the most exciting storylines this spring is Konsta Kurikka, a hard-throwing right-hander from Finland.

Brown sees potential in the 24-year-old pitcher, even if on-field success will take time.

“He’s a very intriguing arm,” Brown said. “I think he can help us, but it’s going to be a development thing with him more than anything else.”

When he arrives for Spring Training, Boyce says he won’t be alone. When foreign players arrive in Canada’s capital, the city’s international communities and embassies waste no time meeting with players and helping them acclimate to Canadian culture. 

Brazilian pitcher Heitor Tokar represents a different type of addition — one with international experience and polish, who Brown will rely on to pitch high-leverage innings. 

“He’s a big piece of what we’re doing here,” Brown said.

With Dominican talents like Dwayne Matos and Yohanse Morel, the Titans’ pitching depth suddenly carries both projection and proven ability. Cristian Inoa, a returner after coming to Ottawa in a mid-August trade from Québec, is another Dominican product looking to pick up where he left off from a very productive 2025 campaign in the Frontier League.

For many international players, adjusting to life in Canada is part of the development process, which is why the Titans prioritize making Ottawa feel like home.

“It’s really important that as a professional team, you do everything you can for your players, regardless of where they’re coming from,” Boyce said. “Part of our job is making sure they just feel at home.”

From the homeland, the Titans are slated to field the most Canadian-born players since a record seven in the inaugural 2022 season. Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, BC), Jake Sanford (Dartmouth, NS), Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, BC), Austin Gurney (Campbell River, BC), and Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, BC) are poised to represent the red and white in the Nation's Capital and bring championship baseball back to Ottawa.

On the coaching side, Bobby Brown appointed the first Canadian coaches in franchise history: Eric Marriott (Niagara, ON) and Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, BC), while bringing on Panamanian Rodrigo Orozco. The trio will help benefit the rostered players tremendously from their experience, their understanding of the culture, and the energy that they bring to the field every day.

The Titans have always been Ottawa’s team, but with one of the most globally diverse squads in franchise history, they might also be the world’s team for the 2026 season. 

Fans can catch the international talent at Ottawa Stadium during the Titans’ Home Opener on Friday, May 8. Single-Game tickets are on sale now.