The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have added two infielders to their 2025 roster, signing veteran shortstop Sam Dexter and versatile infielder Jamari Baylor.
Dexter, 30, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 23rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons in the minors, reaching High-A, before continuing his career in independent leagues. Over the past several years, he has played in the American Association, including two seasons with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. In 2023, he appeared in all 100 games for the RedHawks, hitting .271 with seven home runs, 47 RBIs, 20 doubles, and four triples. He followed up in 2024 with a .264 average, four home runs, 48 RBIs, and 15 doubles in 96 games. Dexter has logged over 600 games in independent baseball, carrying a career .264 batting average with 34 home runs and 294 RBIs.
Known for his defensive skills, Dexter has played 591 games at shortstop with a career .980 fielding percentage. The upcoming season marks his 10th professional year and first in the Atlantic League.
Baylor, 24, was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Benedictine College Prep in Richmond, Virginia. He worked his way up to High-A while playing every infield position. In 2021, he hit .269 with five home runs, 21 RBIs, and an .821 OPS across Rookie and Single-A levels. He showed more power the following year with Clearwater, hitting six home runs, driving in 28 runs, and stealing 22 bases.
In 2023, Baylor was traded to the Colorado Rockies, where he hit .333 with seven home runs in just 33 games for Single-A Fresno. Later that season, he joined the York Revolution in the Atlantic League before having his contract purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Baylor finished the year in High-A, appearing in 33 games before electing free agency.
Both players add depth and experience to the Blue Crabs’ infield as the team continues to build its roster for the 2025 season.
