Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson attributes his childhood nickname to his slow pace on the base paths during Little League. Fast forward a dozen years, and Tugboat is ready to make his pitching debut in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants. The left-hander, originally from Ladner, B.C., received the exciting news from his former coach, Jeff Duda, and is set to start against the Cleveland Guardians.
Wilkinson’s pitching talent first caught attention at the age of 12 when he led White Rock to the Canadian Little League title in 2015. He made a mark at the Little League World Series, striking out 16 batters in Canada’s opening game. Recently, he impressed at the World Baseball Classic, contributing to Canada’s historic quarterfinal appearance by striking out notable hitters like Cal Raleigh and Bryce Harper.
Despite not fitting the typical mold of a major-league pitcher at 6-1 and 250 pounds, Wilkinson’s determination and competitive spirit shine through, according to his former coach. His hard work and dedication to improving his physical condition have been evident throughout his professional career.
Selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 10th round of the MLB draft in 2023, Wilkinson was later traded to the Giants. Throughout this season, he has showcased his skills in the minor leagues, recording 96 strikeouts in 90 innings with a 3.40 ERA. As he gears up for his big league debut, fans in Canada are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Tugboat’s career, recognizing his exceptional talent and tenacity on the field.