This could be a record breaking year for Cubans in the Dominican Winter League in reference to the participation of players from that island in the tournament. A total of 14 Cubans will play in the circuit with the additions of José Barrero, Roel Santos and Julio Pablo Martínez to LIDOM rosters.
Martínez who made his major league debut this year has been a prized prospect for the Rangers since signing with the ballclub in 2018 for a 2.8 million dollar bonus. The outfielder hit .311 with 12 homeruns and 56 runs batted until being called up to the majors on August 11th of this year. In 17 games with the big ballclub he is hitting .225.
El jardinero granmense Roel Santos ha decidido aceptar la oferta de @EOBASEBALLCLUB de la @LIDOMRD y no regresará a los @ClubNaranjeros de la @Liga_Arco este invierno. #pelotacubana #LIDOM pic.twitter.com/6VqOk1eDFR
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) September 11, 2023
In the case of Roel Santos the talented veteran makes his debut in the Dominican circuit after hitting .309 and stealing 49 bases during his time in the Caribbean Leagues. Santos is considered by many one of the best leadoff hitters in the Caribbean and has also seen time in the Can-Am, Nippon and Mexican Leagues. This season with the Olmecas de Tabasco he hit .310 and stole eight bases in 63 games.
Barrero in his own right is a talented but enigmatic player. The Reds have been waiting for the infielder -outfielder to burst out of his shell and display his huge talent. The veteran of four major league seasons is hitting .186 with four roundtrippers and 32 runs batted in over that span.
Sources speculate that the native of Havana will work on playing the centerfield spot full-time with emergence of Elly DeLa Cruz for Cincinnati at the shortstop position. The Cuban has played in the DR with the Escogido club and last season played in the Puerto Rican Winter League with Mayagüez.
El habanero José Barrero jugará este invierno con @EOBASEBALLCLUB de la @LIDOMRD .#pelotacubana #LIDOM pic.twitter.com/bU3bdT7WEs
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) September 11, 2023
Cuban signings in the Winter Leagues:
LIDOM:
Yunesky Maya RHP (Águilas)
Rangel Ravelo IF-OF (Águilas)
Yadiel Hernández OF (Águilas)
César Prieto IF (Águilas)
Ariel Miranda LHP (Águilas)
Dairon Blanco OF (Estrellas)
Yasiel Puig OF (Estrellas)
Roel Santos OF (Estrellas)
José Barrero IF-OF (Estrellas)
Julio Robaina LHP (Estrellas)
Raúl Valdés LHP (Toros)
Darién Núñez LHP (Toros)
Julio Pablo Martínez OF (Toros)
Henry Urrutia 1B-DH (Gigantes)
Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico:
Yasmany Tomás 1B-DH (Los Mochis)
Dany Oramas OF (Los Mochis)***
Daysbel Hernández RHP (Los Mochis)***
Albert Lara IF-OF (Navojoa)
Dariel Álvarez OF (Culiacán)
Miguel Romero RHP (Culiacán)
Peter O’Brien OF-1B (Culiacán) *
Félix Pérez OF-1B (Jalisco)
Yoennis Yera LHP (Jalisco)
Lázaro Blanco RHP (Mazatlán)
Yurisbel Gracial IF-OF (Mazatlán)***
Yoelkis Guibert OF (Guasave)
Yadir Drake OF-1B (Guasave)
JC Escarra C,OF,1B (Guasave)* (**)
Yoanys Quiala RHP (Monterrey)
Odrisamer Despaigne RHP ( Ciudad Obregón)
LBPRC:
Pedro Echemendia RHP (Ponce)
JC Escarra C,IF,OF (Ponce)*(**)
Lázaro Estrada RHP (Santurce)
LVBP:
Edgar Escobar RHP (Caribes)
LBPN:
Lorenzo Quintana C (Tigres de Chinandega)
Rubi Silva IF-OF (Tigres de Chinandega)
Dayán García (Tigres de Chinandega)
Robert Roilan Portuondo RHP (Gigantes de Rivas)
*Cuban-American
** Will play with Guasave until November, after November will join Ponce.
*** invited to preseason camp