September 18, 2024

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

The Fieldhouse Pirates program continues to churn out talented players, and the 2026 class features one of the top names in Ontario in infielder Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.).

Suiting up for Team Royal at the 2024 Canadian Futures Showcase, the left-handed batter was back for a second time after suiting up for Team Navy last year.

“The showcase is such an important tournament for Canadian players,” said Omidi, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “It’s always fun to play at the Rogers Centre and to do so again this year, I am incredibly honoured.”

One of the younger players at last year’s tournament with his 2008 birthday, Omidi had two hits in six at-bats. He would score on both hits and produced one RBI while suiting up in all four contests for Team Navy, later earning a spot in the final day Prospects Game.

This year, Omidi is off to a strong start in the first game of the Showcase. Slotting into the third spot in Team Royal’s lineup, the 16-year-old fought to a 2-1 count against opposing pitcher Ben Goodacre (Ancaster, Ont.) in his first at-bat and deposited a 93.3 mph fastball into left field for his first hit of the game.

His second knock of the game would come in the bottom of the sixth inning, with Omidi dropping a fly ball into centre field on an 81 mph changeup. Team Royal only produced five hits on the day, and Omidi had two of them.

“I felt pretty good all game long,” said Omidi. “I led off the game with that single and just felt everything click in the batter’s box. Everything seemed to be working well and I am really happy with the result.”

Those who follow Canadian baseball prospects have likely heard the Ontario product’s name come up in conversation more than once this summer.

The Pirates infielder has been mashing the ball everywhere he goes, and is gaining attention for his work on the diamond. He is ranked No. 3 on the Canadian Baseball Network’s 2026 Draft List. With his ability to drive the ball across the diamond and hit for power thanks to his easy swing in the batter’s box, Omidi is turning a lot of heads this summer. He is currently uncommitted to a post-secondary program.

“Playing here at the Rogers Centre is such a cool atmosphere, being able to face some of the top players across the country at the showcase,” said Omidi. “Being able to do this for a second time is great and I love having the opportunity to play again with a great group of guys and do so in front of a great audience.”

Looking ahead to the winter months, Omidi has some time before the pressures of the MLB draft start playing into focus. For now, the 6-foot-1 infielder is going to continue working on getting stronger to round out his game as he continues to develop both on and off the field.

“I want to get back into the gym and focus on getting ahead physically, grinding away and finding ways to unlock more power,” said Omidi. “Being able to focus on the right areas, I think I can maximize getting that output while also becoming faster on the base paths too.”