2025 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers: April in Review
After reaching the Carolina League Championship Series in 2024, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers carried strong momentum into the first month of 2025. April brought a mix of prospect debuts, breakout performances and notable promotions.
The Cannon Ballers battled through early-season injuries to finish April with a strong 13–10 record, tied for fourth place in the league. The team’s offense ranked fifth in home runs (13) and first in stolen bases (76), while the pitching staff posted the sixth-most strikeouts (218) in the circuit. Several names from both sides of the ball are already trending up in the system, and Kannapolis continues to be a proving ground for future White Sox talent.
Cannon Ballers Pitchers
The Cannon Ballers’ pitching staff impressed in April with a strong mix of emerging starters and bullpen depth. Left-hander Christian Oppor headlined the rotation with a 2.45 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 18.1 innings, showing improved command and consistent swing-and-miss stuff. The 2023 fifth-rounder has been up to 99 mph on the fastball and finished April with back-to-back five-inning outings. He’s only allowed more than one run in a single start so far, flashing two sharp secondaries that continue to overwhelm Low-A hitters.
Luis Reyes, still just 19, showed signs of dominance in April, finishing with 19 strikeouts in 15 innings despite an elevated ERA (6.60). His electric fastball and wipeout slider give him a high ceiling, though consistency and walk rate remain areas of focus. Reyes and Oppor have been as advertised in Low-A. Listen to the recent interview that Elijah Evans did with Oppor here.
Nick Pinto flashed solid command and an effective curveball through most of April before leaving his final start with an apparent injury. Justin Sinibaldi also made four starts during April, showing glimpses of effectiveness. Mason Moore impressed in his lone outing (5.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K) before landing on the IL with arm soreness.
Morris Austin, Aric McAtee, and Jack Young were excellent in multi-inning roles in the bullpen. McAtee didn’t allow a run in 12.1 innings and struck out 12, while Austin posted a 0.73 ERA across 12.1 frames. Ricardo Brizuela, Manuel Veloz, and Jonathan Clark provided valuable innings, with Brizuela building off his 2024 success (2.70 ERA) and Clark adding 9.1 innings of work in April.
Late-inning arms like Pierce George (9.64 ERA) and Blake Shepardson (36.00 ERA) struggled with command, but their raw stuff remains intriguing. Newcomer Grant Umberger (1.93 ERA) and Hale Sims also debuted and contributed useful innings.
Cannon Ballers Catchers
Ronny Hernandez took the bulk of starts behind the plate, finishing April with a .258 average and continuing to grow as a defender. The 20-year-old has maintained a near .300 OBP and brings maturity beyond his years, though more time at the level should help sharpen his receiving and approach at the plate.
Calvin Harris provided a consistent left-handed bat with a .278 average, 13 RBI, and one home run in 14 games. Having already seen time in High-A, the 2023 fourth-rounder could be a candidate for early promotion if he continues producing.
Jorge Corona made his Kannapolis debut in April, serving as the backup catcher while adjusting to professional pitching. The Louisiana Tech product has had a slow start at the plate but will aim to settle in over the coming weeks.
Cannon Ballers Infielders
No. 11 prospect Caleb Bonemer continued to look like a foundational piece, slashing .292/.418/.486 with seven stolen bases, 17 RBI, and more walks (12) than strikeouts (17). The 19-year-old shortstop plays with poise and has flashed gap power and quality range on the left side of the infield. Bonemer recently ranked #93 overall on the updated top 100 list at Baseball America.
Javier Mogollon had a standout April, showcasing both plate discipline and pop. The 5-foot-8 infielder drew 16 walks and tallied three home runs and a .396 OBP over 73 at-bats, continuing to prove his Arizona numbers were no fluke. Mogollon currently ranks #24 overall on the top 30 list at MLB Pipeline.
Jordan Sprinkle put together an incredible first month, hitting .420 with four home runs, 13 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in just 16 games before being promoted to High-A. Miguel Santos joined the club following Sprinkle’s promotion and ended April on a high note with a three-hit game, providing quality depth in the infield rotation.
Ryan Burrowes continued to see playing time across the infield but struggled at the plate, hitting under .200 in 59 at-bats. Mikey Kane provided a steady veteran presence and posted a .366 OBP in limited duty (33 AB), often slotting in at third base or as a bench option.
Lyle Miller-Green brought a powerful presence to the lineup, slashing .262/.384/.475 with extra-base impact.
Cannon Ballers Outfielders
Braden Montgomery made his highly anticipated professional debut and wasted no time impressing. The 2024 first-rounder slashed .304/.393/.493 with three homers, six steals, and 19 RBI in 18 games before earning a promotion to Winston-Salem on April 29. Montgomery’s bat speed and all-fields power were on display, and he handled multiple outfield positions during his stint in Low-A.
Nathan Archer emerged as a key contributor in the outfield rotation, hitting .274/.348/.403 with two home runs, eight RBI, and eight stolen bases. With Montgomery promoted, Archer may receive even more opportunities moving forward.
George Wolkow had a slower start to the season, hitting just .132 in April, but remained perfect with nine stolen bases (9-for-9) and flashed his power potential in spurts. The 19-year-old will look to find more consistent contact as he continues to adjust to full-season pitching.
Nick McLain (.261/.414 OBP) was off to a solid start before being placed on the injured list April 25. Casey Saucke also saw his season end early after being placed on the full-season IL with Tommy John surgery.
Abraham Nuñez and Arnold Prado were added later in the month to help reinforce the outfield group. Nuñez hit his first home run with the club on April 29, while both outfielders flashed strong defensive instincts in limited opportunities.
