New Frederick Atlantic League Baseball Team Inks Two Ex-Washington Nationals: Reed, Sierra

While the new Frederick (Maryland) Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) club awaits its team name, they have not wasted time signing players, inking catcher Raudy Read and outfielder Moises Sierra for the upcoming season.

Both players have service time in the major leagues with the Washington Nationals.

Read enters his 13^th season of professional baseball in 2023. He has spent parts of two seasons (2017 and 2019) with the Nationals. Last year, the 39-year-old suited up with the Chicago White Sox organization, splitting time between AA and AAA, hitting .303 with 18 homeruns and 71 RBI.

In 2014, Read played for the Auburn Doubledays (short-season–A, New York Penn League). He began his professional baseball career in the Nationals minor league system in 2011 at the tender age of 17.

“Raudy not only brings a middle of the lineup bat to Frederick but will be one of the elite defensive backstops in the Atlantic league,” manager Mark Minicozzi said in a press release. “We are excited to see the immediate impact Raudy brings to our lineup, offensively and defensively.” 

Sierra has spent parts of four campaigns in MLB. He also suited up professionally in Japan and Mexico.

The 34-year-old played last season in the Atlantic league with the Wild Health Genomes, where he finished with a .288 avg. and clubbed eight dingers and 47 RBI while manning the outfield, third base and first base positions.

Sierra began his professional career in the Toronto Blue Jays system in 2007 at the young age of 18. In 2008, he played for the Lansing Lugnuts (Single-A, Midwest League). Sierra enters his 17^th season of professional baseball in 2023.

“Moises is a natural born leader, fan favorite and brings high energy to the park every day,” Minicozzi said. “When fully healthy, Moises has the ability to be an MVP candidate in the Atlantic league.”

The team will open its 2023 season on the road against the Gastonia Honey Hunters on Friday, April 28. The home opener, at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, will be on Tuesday, May 2 against the Lexington Legends.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photos courtesy of the Fredrick ALPB club.