FREDERICK, MD – Two more 2025 Keys players finalized professional contracts in the last week as first baseman Bronson Rivera signed with the Florence Y’alls on December 4 and left-handed pitcher Ryan Rissas signed with the Oakland Ballers on December 5.
Rivera heads to Florence and the Frontier League after playing 43 games for the Keys during the second half this past summer. He finished with a .244 average along with three homers and 27 RBIs, along with serving as the team’s primary first baseman.
The Holualoa, Hawai’i native began his time in the Key City with a nine-game hitting streak from July 18 through July 26. He also hit the first home run of the second half on July 16 against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
Rivera came to Frederick after wrapping up his college career with Hawai’i Pacific last spring. In 54 games for the Sharks, he posted a .377 average along with a team-leading 19 home runs and 77 RBIs.
As for Rissas, he becomes the second 2025 Keys player to sign with the Ballers in the Pioneer League, after right-handed pitcher Aaron Calhoun signed with Oakland back on December 1.
The former UCLA Bruin saw action in four games during the first half in Frederick and threw in nine innings while recording a 4.00 ERA in 2025. Additionally, he finished with four combined scoreless innings in his first two outings and concluded with a 1-0 record.
The San Ramon, California native came to the MLB Draft League after throwing in 20 games during his lone season at UCLA last spring. In those 20 appearances, he fanned 19 batters and held his opponents to a .169 average at the dish, helping the Bruins make the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Men’s College World Series.
Watch more future stars as the Frederick Keys make their return to affiliated baseball next season as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The first home game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Tickets and the promotional schedule will be released at a later date.
