Bahamian baseball player Ayden Johnson, center, has signed a professional baseball contract with the Oakland Athletics. He will be assigned to the Dominican Summer League (DSL) Athletics in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At left is Director of International Scouting for the Oakland Athletics Steve Sharpe, and at right is Fortuna Training Facility (FTF) owner and lead trainer Jose Fortuna. Johnson spent the last two and a half years at FTF.

The Bahamas continues to produce high level baseball talent, moving on from youth baseball leagues in the country all the way to the professional ranks.

Ayden Johnson became the latest young baseball protégé out of the country to sign on the dotted line with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.

Johnson, 16, has caught the eye of the Oakland Athletics who has settled with the Bahamian, officially bringing him into the organization at his signing day at Bahamas Harvest Church on Monday.

Johnson, the number 11 ranked player on MLB’s Top Baseball International Prospects List, said he is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to continued progression and an eventual rise through the minor league system. He signs out of the Fortuna Training Facility (FTF) in Plant City, Florida.

“I feel great. It’s been a long journey and I put in a lot of hard work but I just kept believing in God and put my faith in Him,” said Johnson. “I’m just glad to be in this position today. I just have to go there and keep my confidence high. Every day won’t be a great day but I just have to continue to work. I just have to continue looking ahead and make the necessary adjustments.”

Johnson will turn 17 next month and said he is anticipating a quick progression through the minor league system. He stands at 6’ 0” and weighs 180 pounds. He is described as a player who is equipped with MLB-level physicality at a young age, and one who fits the mold of a bat-first young prospect. He is further evaluated as one who starts from a clean right-handed setup at the plate and then unleashes a fast and crisp bat path, which enables him to pepper the ball to all fields.

Johnson bats right and throws right and came up through various age groups as a shortstop.

“We’re happy to have him,” said Director of International Scouting for the Oakland Athletics Steve Sharpe. “This speaks to his talent, work ethic and his ability. He has all of the characteristics of a future star. I want to thank his parents and his community here in The Bahamas. He is a direct reflection of everything that you have done for him. I thank you for the foundation that you have built with him. We couldn’t be happier with this signing. He has that interior foundation that will allow him to achieve some major things. Cheers to him. I wish him success beyond his wildest dreams.”

Ayden’s parents Perry and Annishka Johnson enrolled their son in the Freedom Farm Baseball League from he was six years old, at which time he said he just wanted to emulate older brother Paris Johnson who signed professionally in July 2022 and is a current member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

“His passion and unwavering love for the game was passed on to me and has only gotten deeper over the years,” said Ayden.

Older brother Paris said he is really proud of his younger brother.

“This is a huge day for him. He wasn’t just following in my footsteps as my younger brother but he was carving his own path,” he said. “His drive, his work ethic and his love for the game always amazed me and it’s incredible that he turned that passion into something real. What I admire the most is that he doesn’t take anything for granted. He doesn’t just rely on his talent — he puts in the work day in and day out. He is always looking for ways to improve and that is that kind of dedication that makes him stand out and I have no doubt that it will take you further. Today is a great day and this is only just the beginning. I’m excited to see what comes next and I just want you (Ayden) to know that I will always be there for you. Remember always to trust in God and trust the process.”

Pastor Mario Moxey at Bahamas Harvest prayed for Ayden and his family on Monday.

Young Ayden Johnson left Freedom Farm at 12 years old, continued his development elsewhere and eventually got to the point where he was recruited by Fortuna Training Facility (FTF). He spent two and a half years at FTF prior to signing with the Athletics on Monday.

Owner and lead trainer at FTF Jose Fortuna said he is proud of his young prospect and of what he was able to accomplish in the short period of time he spent with him.

“I want to thank God for allowing this day to come,” said Fortuna. “I want to thank the Johnson family for trusting me with Ayden from he was 13 years old. I know that it was a very hard decision for you guys, but today that decision is paying off. I want to thank Steve Sharpe and the Oakland Athletics for this opportunity. I pushed Ayden to the limit. I remember the days when he was crying but he always caught himself and bounced back because he has big goals. To Ayden, stay humble, stay hungry and don’t forget where you come from.”

Young Ayden Johnson said he is extremely grateful for the community he has around him and everyone who helped him get to this point.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for guiding me on this extraordinary journey and giving me the strength to stay focussed through all the ups and downs. Without His grace, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” he said. “I am grateful to the coaches at Freedom Farm for nurturing me into the player I am today. Freedom Farm opened doors for young men like myself to play internationally. The road wasn’t easy — there were challenges along the way. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support from family and friends who encouraged me to keep going.

“I am so grateful to my parents, family, friends, the FTF family and my trainer Jose Fortuna. Thank you for believing in me. Thanks also to my godparents and my extended family. Your contribution has meant the world to me, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thanks to Pastor Mario at Bahamas Harvest for your spiritual guidance and for covering my brother and I in faith.

“Thanks to the Oakland Athletics, particularly Steve Sharpe and the scouting team for recognizing my potential and giving me this incredible opportunity. I cannot thank my parents enough for believing in me. Thanks for all the support through all the challenges and the countless sacrifices you have made. It wasn’t always easy, but you made it happen. Dreams are attainable — they could come true if you remain focussed and are patient with the process and remain steadfast in faith.”

Johnson leaves next week for the Athletics training facility in the Dominican Republic. He will be assigned to the Dominican Summer League (DSL) Athletics, which is a rookie-level affiliate of the Athletics in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). The team is located in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and play their home games at the Juan Marichal Complex in Santo Domingo.