In an attempt to land new markets and new owners, the independent Can-Am League announced plans to increase the team roster size from 22 to 23 players and raise the salary cap accordingly.
The plan is for Executive Director Kevin Winn to step up the search to expand the league from the current six teams (New Jersey Jackals, Sussex County Miners, Rockland Boulders, Ottawa Champions, Quebec Capitales and Trois-Rivieres Aigles) and seek out new venues, investors and ownership groups in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets. The increased roster size will offer clubs more opportunities for developing players and to be cognizant of player injuries.
“Right now the Can-Am League is stronger than ever. With a steadily growing reputation for attracting talent and exciting brand of baseball in our markets, now is the time to implement expansion plans to grow our North American footprint,” Winn said in a press release announcing the moves. “As we set our sights on growing, we feel it’s only fitting to expand our rosters and raise the salary cap. We are in ongoing talks in several promising markets in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.”
Entering its 15th season, the Can-Am League’s 2019 season will begin on May 16. The league’s teams will play a 95-game schedule that includes series against the Cuban National Team and Japan’s Shikoku Island Team.