Extending his playing career after graduation, University of Toronto Varsity Blues baseball alumnus Kristyan Puyol-Genossar has signed a professional contract in Japan.

A two-time OUA academic achievement award winner, the political science grad recently inked a professional deal with the Shibetsu Samurai Blades in the Hokkaido Frontier League in Japan.

"I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Japan Winter League this past November/December, and through that, the owner of the team liked how I performed on the field and offered me a contract," detailed Puyol-Genossar. "My reaction the day I signed was nothing short of pure joy. It all feels like everything finally fell into place and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity."

A standout during his time at U of T, Puyol-Genossar first joined the Varsity Blues in 2019. Primarily playing catcher, he was a member of two OUA championship teams as the Blues claimed provincial titles in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, he was named an OUA all-star on three occasions, garnering the accolade during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons.

"U of T played a major part in my baseball career and life as a whole," said Puyol-Genossar. "All of the coaches and assistant coaches at U of T helped me along the way, whether that be with some simple hitting drills or deep conversations about character. I've tried to carry everything I was taught from U of T into my life after university, both in-and-out of baseball."

"For people who know me well, my baseball story is a long and entertaining one, and it is just getting started."

Puyol-Genossar will head to Japan at the end of March when Spring Training begins. The Hokkaido Frontier League season is slated to begin in May.