Counties Manukau youngster Jason Matthews has signed a contract with the Auckland Tuatara for their return to the Australian Baseball League next summer.

The 23-year-old Takanini product grew up and played softball in South Auckland as well as baseball at Counties Baseball before heading to college in the United States.

He finished his college degree earlier this year and completed an impressive final season with the University of South Carolina Upstate Spartans before signing a first professional contract with the Great Falls Voyagers in the Pioneer League.

Matthews won the team MVP award on the back of hitting .352 with eight home runs, 67 RBIs and seven stolen bases while playing terrific defense at the shortstop position.

“Playing for the Tuatara is something that I have wanted to do for a while now and now that I have finished college it became possible,” Matthews said.

“I can’t wait to get back home next year and play for my home team in front of friends and family.

“In the meantime, I am going to continue to work hard on my game so I can be the best baseball player possible.”

Auckland Tuatara chief executive Regan Wood is delighted to get Matthews locked in for next year and sees the 23-year-old as a long-term Tuatara player.

“Jason is a very impressive young man that we think will be a cornerstone of our franchise for many years to come,” Wood said.

“He has all the tools to be a very successful ABL player while we think he has potential to go a long way in the United States.

“He is an Auckland kid, and it will be great to bring him home to play next summer.” Matthews joins returning Tuatara players Andrew Marck and Te Wera Bishop as having committed to the Tuatara for their ABL return next year.