San Francisco de Macorís – The Gigantes del Cibao continue to reinforce their roster for the 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). This Monday, the team welcomed Wily Peralta and Melvin Mercedes, along with the imported pitchers Reid Birlingmair and Caleb Smith.
The training session, led by general manager Jaylon Pimentel and manager José Leger, took place at the Julián Javier Stadium. The four players immediately joined the team’s preparation routines.
Key Reinforcements for Rotation
Wily Peralta, a 36-year-old right-handed pitcher with a decade of experience in Major League Baseball, returns to strengthen the starting rotation. In the 2024 season with the Giants, Peralta had a 2-5 record, with an ERA of 2.85 in 10 starts. He pitched 41.0 innings, allowing 41 hits, 13 earned runs, and striking out 30 batters, with a WHIP of 1.41. His experience is a great asset for the team.
Melvin Mercedes, a versatile 33-year-old switch-hitter, is another important addition. He currently plays with the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), where in the 2025 season he had a .264 average, with 1 home run, 22 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. His ability to play in the infield and outfield, along with his leadership, are valuable to the team.
New Arms from Abroad
Reid Birlingmair and Caleb Smith also joined the training sessions. Birlingmair, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, comes from pitching with the Guerreros de Oaxaca in the Mexican Baseball League, where he had an 8-1 record with an ERA of 4.98 in 34.1 innings pitched.
Caleb Smith, a 34-year-old left-hander with experience in the Major Leagues, pitched this summer for the Dorados de Chihuahua in the LMB, recording 3-9, an ERA of 5.52 in 93.0 innings, with 60 strikeouts, 21 walks and a WHIP of 1.58.
The arrival of Wily, Melvin, Caleb, and Reid significantly strengthens our team.
The leader José Leger also highlighted the positive atmosphere in training, emphasizing the combination of experience and youth that the new players will bring.
With these additions, the Gigantes del Cibao continue to advance in their preparation for the next campaign, reinforcing their combination of experience, youth, and depth in all areas of the game.
