YORK — The York Revolution have added two more players to their 2026 preseason roster, signing infielder Ben Blackwell and left-handed pitcher Kevin Dowdell, manager Rick Forney announced Monday night during “Revs Hot Stove Weekly” on SportsRadio WOYK.
The Revolution, five-time Atlantic League champions, now have four players officially under contract for the upcoming season.
Blackwell adds speed, defensive depth
Blackwell returns to the Atlantic League for his fourth professional season after playing in 107 games in 2025 with the Charleston Dirty Birds. He batted .278 and finished tied for third in the league with seven triples and tied for sixth with 42 stolen bases.
He posted a .967 fielding percentage while splitting time between third base, shortstop and second base.
“We’re really excited about Ben,” Forney said during the broadcast. “He’s versatile, fast and athletic which we like. In my opinion he’s one of the better infielders in the league.”
Originally from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Blackwell played high school baseball in the D.C. metro area before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Dayton. He earned First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors and graduated in three years with a degree in finance.
He then transferred to Clemson as a graduate student and started every game at shortstop over two seasons. During that time, he recorded one of the top-five single-season fielding percentages in program history, led the ACC with 27 stolen bases in 2023 and helped guide the Tigers to a conference title.
Blackwell signed with the Texas Rangers organization in 2023. He hit .290 at High-A Hickory and earned a promotion to Double-A Frisco. He turns 27 on April 6.
Dowdell brings power arm to York
Dowdell, 26, joins York after pitching in the Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals organizations.
A native of Montevallo, Alabama, Dowdell was a two-way player at West Virginia University before transitioning to full-time pitching as a professional. He signed with the Angels in 2023 and debuted in the Arizona Complex League. After signing with the Nationals in 2024, he spent the 2025 season with Class-A Fredericksburg, appearing in 37 games and carrying a 3.00 ERA into July.
“He has a power arm, 94-96 with some late life on it,” Forney said. “He’s super athletic and strong and has potential to be a sleeper. I think he could get signed from here.”
The Revolution will announce additional signings during the next episode of Revs Hot Stove Weekly, scheduled to air at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 on SportsRadio 98.9 FM and 1350 WOYK, online at 989woyk.com and through the York Revolution app.
The Atlantic League season is set to begin this spring.
