Richard Guasch will play in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol(LMB) in 2025 with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes, in what will be his first season in the Mexican league. On the Rieleros, he will share a team with another player from his native Santiago de Cuba during the preseason, Oscar Marten.
Gausch is coming off a stint in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) with the Caribes de Anzoátegui. During his time in the LVBP, he posted a record of four wins and three losses, while notching four saves in 27 outings (all as a reliever).
Despite a high ERA of 5.67, it’s worth noting that he played a key role in several games for the Tribe, and due to his strong performance in the first half of the tournament, he was even selected for the All-Star Game.
Throughout your professional career, you’ve alternated between starting and relieving. In 2022, you’re moving completely to the bullpen. Which of the two roles do you like the most and which one do you feel most comfortable in?
I really like the relief role the most, especially in the toughest moments. The eighth or ninth inning is what I like the most because of the adrenaline rush I get in those key moments in the game.
Last winter, you pitched with the Caribes de Anzoátegui in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). What did it mean to you to pitch in such a tough league?
It was the first time I faced hitters at that level, which most people say is similar to Triple-A. It was a unique experience. It’s truly a very competitive league, with major league hitters. The fans live for the game there, it’s super fun and very unique.
Compare the Venezuelan League with the Minor Leagues in terms of the quality of hitters?
I played up to Double-A, and the quality of hitters is concentrated in the LVBP because most of those there are either good prospects or players already seen action in the major leagues or have spent many years in the minor leagues. In Venezuela, they have a lot of quality hitters that are also very disciplined. I learned a lot in the league, and the experience helped me a lot.
This will be your first season outside the minor league system. How did you prepare this offseason, knowing that the Mexican Baseball League (LMB) starts later?
That helped in a way, but at the same time, I finished the season very late, I finished in January. Since I didn’t officially finish in the minor leagues, but in the LMB, I had practically the same amount of time, or maybe less, but the preparation is the same, except I have more experience and know how to train. Together with the coaches, we prepare for the preseason.
You’re joining the Rieleros de Aguascalientes in the LMB. What are your expectations for your first season in the league.
I’ve heard about the league and they say it’s good. I want to give my best for the team; reaching the playoffs and contributing is the main objective, always with my eyes on winning.
At Rieleros, you met up with Oscar Marten, who, aside from being your teammate, is also your personal friend. What can you tell me about your relationship with him?
It’s something different. I’m super excited to be able to share a team with him again. We grew up in the same house from a very young age, with the same parents, and I’m thrilled that he can make the team and have the opportunity he’s never had to showcase his talent.