Last July, the Lancaster Barnstormers traded right-hander Cole Aker to High Point in exchange for catcher/outfielder Chris Proctor.

In 2023, the Barnstormers will have both Aker, a former UNC Tar Heel and Proctor, a former Duke Blue Devil, as Aker has signed a Lancaster contract for the upcoming season, it has been announced by manager Ross Peeples.

He is the 15th player under contract for the 2023 season and the 13th to be rejoining the ‘Stormers from last year’s club.

Aker, 26, was 2-2 with one save and a 5.64 ERA in 20 relief outings for the Barnstormers in 2022. He was dealt to the Rockers on July 23 and made seven more appearances for the Rockers before being released.

The native of Memphis who grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 18th round of the 2018 draft. With the Cardinals, he reached A+ Peoria in 2021, entering 20 games.

He spent two collegiate seasons with North Carolina and one with the University of Tampa.

“Aker pitched well when he was here,” said Peeples. “He has gained 20-25 pounds of muscle and supposedly a little velocity on his fastball. From the videos we have seen, he will be interesting to watch this spring.”

The Barnstormers will begin their defense of the Atlantic League title on Friday, April 28 at Southern Maryland.

About the Lancaster Barnstormers

The 2023 Lancaster Barnstormers, presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, are in their 19th year in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Ballpark Digest’s three-time Best Ballpark in MLB Partner League Baseball - Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com for more information.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com