LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Stormers have announced the return of slugging first baseman Kelly Dugan and right-handed reliever Jackson Rees for the 2025 season. Manager Ross Peeples confirmed the signings, adding two key components to the roster as the team prepares to open their campaign against Long Island on April 25.
Dugan, 34, is no stranger to Lancaster fans. Having played for the Stormers from 2021 to 2023, he boasts a strong history with the team, including two standout seasons in which he batted .326. His 2022 season was particularly memorable as he was on pace to set franchise records for home runs and RBIs before a foot injury cut his year short. Despite a dip in 2023 following his return, Dugan rebounded in 2024 with Grand Junction of the Pioneer League, smashing 22 home runs and hitting .369 with an OPS of 1.180 over 63 games. His performance earned him a spring training invite with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he made a brief Major League appearance against the Yankees.
“Dugan will help us out in the middle of our order,” said Peeples. “He has had a lot of success here and is always a great asset in the locker room.”
Also returning for a second season with the Stormers is Jackson Rees, 30, who played a pivotal role in Lancaster’s bullpen throughout 2024. The California native posted a 7-1 record with a 4.25 ERA across 42 appearances, finishing strong with a 2.27 ERA over his final 30 outings. Rees averaged 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings during that stretch and contributed a scoreless inning in the postseason.
“Rees continued to get better last year,” said Peeples. “He has really good stuff and showed it at times. He is a guy who will take the ball every time he is asked and can fill many roles in our pen. He goes about his business in the right way, and I am looking forward to watch him grow from last year.”
Rees’ professional career began with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, where he excelled in 2019 at the Class A level, recording a 0.73 ERA with 88 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 61.2 innings. He later advanced to Class AAA Buffalo, spending parts of three seasons there from 2021 to 2023.
With the addition of Dugan and Rees, the Stormers now have 11 players signed for the upcoming season. Both players bring experience and talent to the team, with Dugan ready to anchor the lineup and Rees set to add strength to the bullpen. Their return promises to bolster Lancaster’s pursuit of another playoff run in 2025.
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