GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Ghost Peppers have officially signed two-way player Eddie Leon and utility-man Jonny Barditch to contracts for the 2026 season, Team President Brady Salisbury announced.
Leon is a first-year player for the Ghost Peppers, and Barditch will be returning for his second season with the team.
Leon, who will contribute as a batter and pitcher from Miami, FL, graduated from Marshall University in 2025. Last season, the Thundering Herd third baseman posted a solid senior season. Leon hit .301 (batting average), 7 home runs, .473 SLG, and 9 stolen bases. On the mound (2024) for the Kenai Peninsula Oilers (Alaskan Summer League), he started 8 games, 45.2 innings pitched, and had an impressive 2.96 ERA.
Barditch, also from Miami, FL, attended Manhattan University, the University of Utah, and Jacksonville University. Last season, Barditch provided versatility playing four different positions. (SS, 2B, 3B, and C). In 20 games, Barditch hit .255 (batting average), 1 home run, 8 RBIs (runs batted in), and 2 stolen bases.
Leon and Barditch are the eighth and ninth signings announced by Gastonia.
The players who have signed so far are:
- Nate Peden (RHP)
- Chris Proctor (C/OF)
- Xavier Casserilla (INF)
- Cas Silber (RHP)
- Jake Miednik (LHP)
- Trendon Craig (OF)
- McKinley Moore (RHP)
- Eddie Leon (UT)
- Jonny Barditch (UT)
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About the Gastonia Ghost Peppers
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers are a professional baseball team in the Atlantic League committed to excellence on the field and in the community. The organization focuses on building a competitive team, fostering local engagement, and creating unforgettable experiences for fans.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 27-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,450 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 49 million fans to its 10 state-of-the-art ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Follow the action at AtlanticLeague.com